Williams 'won't fear Belgium test'

14 October 2014 21:46

Skipper Ashley Williams insists Wales have nothing to fear in Belgium next month as they plan to push on in European Championship qualifying.

Wales top Group B after taking seven points from their first three Euro 2016 qualifiers but their next test is by far the sternest yet, away to star-studded Belgium in Brussels on November 16.

But having followed up a fortunate opening round win in Andorra last month by taking four points from home qualifiers against Bosnia-Herzegovina and Cyprus this week, Williams says Wales will not be overawed by Eden Hazard and company.

"We've got respect for Belgium because they've got great players," Williams said after the 2-1 victory over Cyprus in Cardiff on Monday night.

"It's a tough game next but we have to go with no fear because in the last three games we've really stood together.

"But we'll also be clever and respect the opponent we're playing.

"I'm not sure yet how we'll go about it, but we'll have a game plan and we'll stick to it."

Wales manager Chris Coleman says an average 1.75 points per game will be enough to guarantee at least the second automatic qualifying spot, although the third-placed team will enter the Euro 2016 play-offs.

That equation would mean Wales need around another 10 or 11 points from their remaining seven games to make it to the finals in France in two years time.

But Williams says it is momentum rather than points targets which matter to Wales right now.

"We just focusing on the games coming up and we've not really focused on a target because it changes," said the Swansea defender.

"We know we probably need 17-plus to do anything, but we haven't set a target and just want to see where we can get each game.

"The momentum is key and we haven't lost in the group now in three games.

"The league table looks good, we're confident and we can go into the next game with no fear."

Wales' early success in Euro qualifying has been based on Gareth Bale's brilliance and determined defence, where Swansea skipper Williams has struck up an assertive partnership with James Chester at the heart of the back four or back five.

Hull defender Chester was only winning his fourth cap against Cyprus but the 25-year-old has made a seamless transition to international football, and West Ham veteran James Collins faces a difficult fight to win back his place after injury.

"He's done unbelievably well. He's a great lad and I really enjoy playing with him," Williams said.

"He's settled in really well, all the boys like him and they've been two great performances from him this week.

"We've all stuck together and we've had to go to war at times, but that's the great thing about international football.

"We knew this was massive, we said that before the game, but it's nice to be top of the group."

Source: PA