LEICESTER, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 28: Leicester City Manager Enzo Maresca speaks during the Leicester City press conference at Leicester City Training Ground, Seagrave on November 28, 2023 in Leicester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Plumb Images/Leicester City FC via Getty Images)
Leicester City, Leeds United and Ipswich Town all had players involved in Wales’ heartbreaking play-off final loss to Poland on Tuesday night.
But it’s Leeds that may feel the impact of the game more than City or Ipswich as the Championship returns on Friday. City kick-off the action at 12.30pm against Bristol City, Ipswich play Blackburn Rovers at 5.30pm, while Leeds travel to Watford at 8pm with all three teams likely to be keeping an eye on each other’s games.
Wales took on Poland in a winner-takes-all game for a place in this summer’s European Championships. With the game at 0-0 after 90 minutes, extra time couldn’t separate the two sides, meaning the match was decided via a penalty shootout.
City goalkeeper Danny Ward was in goal for Wales but couldn’t save any of Poland’s five spot kicks. Daniel James then missed the crucial penalty for Wales resulting in Poland earning qualification and Wales missing out.
Ward has fallen down the pecking order at City this season under Enzo Maresca, but has maintained his place in the Wales squad. He is not expected to be part of the matchday squad for Friday’s game at Ashton Gate.
He was the only City player involved in the game, but it was a different story for Leeds. Key players Joe Rodon and Ethan Ampadu played the full 120 minutes.
Full-back Conor Roberts started the game but was withdrawn after 84 minutes, after picking up a knock, while James came on to play 50 minutes in total before missing his penalty. Given the quick turnaround between the two matches, it is less than ideal preparation for Leeds, ahead of the return of the Championship.
