Jac Thomas looking to build on Romania win with Wales U17

We caught up with Jac Thomas to reflect on Wales U17’s recent win over Romania and to look ahead to Saturday’s game with Sweden.

“It’s great to get three points in the first game," Jac began. "Getting a win in the first game is obviously vital to help set you up for the rest of the camp. Playing the hosts is never easy, especially for the first game. The boys played well, and we dug in deep.

“We matched them with our energy, showed our footballing ability, showed some classy moments and got the job done.”

Up next for Wales in Group Two of the Elite Round of the European U17 Championships is Sweden.

Jac continued: “It’s given the boys a boost and were looking forward to Saturday. Winning our second game will put us in a good place and progress and hopefully take us to Cyprus.

“They’re a good footballing side, very physical and good athletes, but if we play as we have been in the last few camps and with the results we have been getting, we’ll be alright.

“It’s a real bond with all the boys in the squad. We’ve created a good relationship with everyone, all our players seems to be close together, which is showing on the pitch with the results we’ve been getting recently.

“That’s what’s helped us getting where we are today because without that, I don’t think we’d get where we are.”

Last year was the first year Wales U17 qualified for the European Championships since 1981, and Jac hopes he and the squad can replicate that feat.

“For everyone here, our aim is to get to Cyprus, that’s where we all want to be.

“It’s what were all aiming to achieve and to make it two age groups in-a-row to get to the finals, which will be good for Wales. The boys would be really chuffed if we managed to get through.”