Rodon 'growing in confidence' at Euro 2020, says Wales and Spurs legend
Fri 25 June 2021, 15:53|
Tottenham Hotspur
Legendary former defender Mike England has praised Joe Rodon as he continues to impress for Wales at Euro 2020.
Centre-back Joe, who made 14 appearances in his debut campaign with us in 2020/21 following his move from Swansea City, has been ever-present for Rob Page’s side as they’ve navigated their way through a tough group including Italy, Switzerland and Turkey to qualify for the last 16 at this summer’s showpiece event.
Particularly impressive in last weekend’s clash with the Italians, the 23-year-old is now preparing to face Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg’s Denmark in Amsterdam on Saturday (5pm UK), along with Ben Davies and Gareth Bale.
A former player and manager of Wales, Mike played 397 games for us between 1966 and 1975 and, ahead of his country’s clash with the Danes, has underlined how encouraged he’s been with Joe’s performances at the tournament so far.
“I’ve been impressed with his progress,” said Mike, who won the 1967 FA Cup, 1972 UEFA Cup and 1971 and 1973 League Cups during his time with us. “Wales as a team have done very well, defensively they’re very well organised and they look great – I’m very pleased with what they’ve done so far. With Joe specifically, he’s played every game at the tournament and he’s obviously 23, so he’s at the age now where he should be pushing through.
“When you get to 23 it means you’ve played quite a few games, it’s not as if you’re a youngster of 18 or 19. He’s still reasonably young but he’s doing really well and the more games that he plays, his confidence is growing. That’s what it’s all about. When he gets his full confidence, he’s got great potential, he really has. It’s fantastic to see.”
As for Mike’s hopes for Wales, does he believe they can emulate their magical run to the semi-finals of Euro 2016?
“Everyone is hoping they’ll be able to take that little step further now,” he smiled. “They’ve played very well and especially defensively they’ve been very good. Hopefully they can continue to perform well.”
