Birmingham City youngster makes it on plane to World Cup despite not receiving call-up

Birmingham City youngster Jordan James is one of two players to make it on Wales’ plane to the World Cup despite not being selected in the final 26-man squad. James heads to Qatar with 17-year-old Fulham midfielder Luke Harris, with both coming along for the journey with the rest of the Dragons.

James, who has featured in 16 Sky Bet Championship games this season, has enjoyed a second successive campaign in Birmingham’s first team reckoning despite being just 18 years of age. The midfielder has shown great desire whenever John Eustace has given him the opportunity.

Wales manager Rob Page has now given James the opportunity to experience a major international tournament, and the Blues wonderkid has taken it with open arms. He travelled with the rest of the Wales squad this week, alongside the likes of Gareth Bale, Aaron Ramsey and Harry Wilson.

“It’s important we’ve got an eye on the future,” Page said, via Hereford Times. “March comes around quickly [for the Euro 2024 qualifiers] and we’ve got to have one eye on that. When the senior boys decide they’re not going to play for Wales anymore, it won’t be much of a culture shock and the change won’t be so severe.”

Although James won’t be able to play any games for Wales throughout the tournament, just being there will do him the world of good - as Page rightfully outlines. The Dragons play USA in their first Group B match, on Monday, November 21. Wales will then take on Iran and England as they hope to progress to the latter stages.