Daniel James admits to feeling ‘gutted’ that Wales won’t play in front of their own fans during Euro 2020 last-16 clash with Denmark in Amsterdam… but winger insists the situation won’t ‘faze’ his team-mates
Daniel James has admitted it is ‘gutting’ for Wales not to be able to play in front of their supporters during their Euro 2020 last-16 clash against Denmark.
Robert Page’s team qualified in second in Group A, sealing them a trip to Amsterdam for the first knockout round, but their fanbase will not be able to cheer them on.
And winger James, who has started all three of Wales’ matches so far, conceded that the situation comes as a blow, but is adamant the players won’t be fazed.
Daniel James admitted it is ‘gutting’ Wales won’t play in front of their fans in their last-16 clash
‘It’s obviously gutting not to have fans in a tournament like this,’ he told Sky Sports.
‘It’s something I’ve not been involved in before and listening to the stories of Euro 2016 and watching the games, it was absolutely brilliant to see fans there.
‘We can’t make any excuses for the fans not being here. It’s something that’s been normal for the last year and a half now, so it is something all the players are used to.
Wales supporters had travelled to Italy and Azerbaijan to watch the first three Group A fixtures
‘It’s something we can’t go into the game thinking about. We know they’re supporting from home, just like the other games.
‘There may be more Danish fans there than Welsh fans, but it’s just like the Turkey game really and we won’t let that faze us.’
People from Wales are banned from travelling to Holland on Saturday due to the country’s strict coronavirus regulations.
The UK is not currently included on the Dutch government’s list of safe countries.
James (right) insisted that Wales won’t be fazed by the atmosphere in Amsterdam on Saturday
Wales’ First Minister Mark Drakeford asked supporters not to jet out to cheer on their team
Denmark does not feature either, but there is an exemption to the border crackdown for residents of the European Union and Schengen area.
Those who do jet in may have to quarantine, but could avoid that by spending less than 12 hours in Holland.
They will have to present a negative PCR test which is a maximum of 72 hours old, and must go into isolation for 10 days – with the opportunity to test out on day five.
Denmark fans will be able to attend the game because they have an exemption to entry rules
However, after the UK withdrew from the EU, this does not apply to Wales.
Mark Drakeford, the First Minister, previously urged fans not to travel to Italy or Azerbaijan to watch their group stage fixtures.
Despite this, hundreds decided to head to Rome and Baku, and watched on from the stands at their team drew with Switzerland, beat Turkey and lost out to Italy.