Why Leeds United quartet will not return early after Wales penalty exit | OneFootball

Leeds United’s Welsh quartet will not return to Thorp Arch early despite Wales’ World Cup play-off heartbreak, with a Tuesday friendly, required as part of a two-game international window, keeping them on duty this week.

Ethan Ampadu captained the semi-final against Bosnia & Herzegovina in Cardiff, joined in the XI by club-mates Karl Darlow, Joe Rodon and Daniel James.

James appeared to settle it with an outstanding 51st-minute strike from about 30 yards, beating goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj after pouncing on a loose ball.

Darlow then made a superb save from Ermedin Demirovic, but Edin Dzeko glanced in a corner with four minutes left. It finished 1-1 after 90 and 120 minutes, and penalties went Bosnia’s way after Neco Williams and Brennan Johnson were unsuccessful.

Darlow, Ampadu and Rodon all played the full 120 minutes on Thursday, while James was withdrawn on 85 and did not take a spot-kick.

Ampadu said the players were lost for words, believing they had prepared well and fought for everything, though he accepted late-game management could have been better. James called the equaliser gutting, praised the effort in extra time and thanked the fans, saying they will be back stronger. Darlow described the group as devastated but proud of their football, adding that a young squad is continuing to grow.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk