By Paul Jones
Dan James’ Euro 2020 experience has made him all the more determined to fire Wales to next years World Cup in Qatar.
Gareth Bale’s dramatic stoppage-time hat-trick goal sealed a thrilling 3-2 qualifying win over Belarus in Kazan on Sunday, keeping hopes of Qatar 2022 qualification on track.
Robert Page’s side will move second if they beat the so far pointless Estonia in Cardiff on Wednesday.
James, who made his major tournament debut in the summer, is confident they can reach their first World Cup since 1958.
“I think just the experience of the Euro’s just makes us that kind of little bit more thirsty to go and qualify for the World Cup,” explained James.
“It’s going to be a little bit tougher with the teams and obviously less qualify but it’s one as a team that we fully believe that we can do.
“We took lot of positives out of the Euros.
“I think most people didn’t think we were going to get out of the group and we fully believed that we could.
“Don’t get me wrong, we were very disappointed after getting through that group to go out like that (4-0 loss to Denmark in round of 16), but it’s one that we’ll learn from, take a lot from it because it was a lot of boys’ first major tournament, including myself.
“We’re just excited with these World Cup Qualifiers coming up because, as I said before, having that experience of the Euros just makes us a little bit more wanting to qualify for the World Cup.”
James has a big few months ahead as he looks to play a key role on Wales’ road to Qatar while starting a new chapter at club level, having completed a deadline-day switch from Manchester United to Leeds.
“I’ve got to go in giving my all,” Yorkshire-born James said.
“Now it’s just about enjoying this next chapter of my career and just how it unfolds.
Gareth Bale took the headlines but Dan James was ever present for Wales in their win over Belarus yesterday 🏴@IanWright0 & @LeeDixon2 highlight the key parts of his game#LUFC #Cymru #TogetherStronger pic.twitter.com/sm7pIoZYwF
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) September 6, 2021
“I obviously have my own personal goals which I keep to myself, but I’m looking forward to it. I’m excited to learn, getting to learn this new system and hopefully contribute to the team.”
James fondly recalled playing Leeds as a youngster at Hull and cannot wait to step out at Elland Road – something he would have done two-and-a-half years ago had a deal for the winger not collapsed.
The Whites maintained an interest and Marcelo Bielsa finally got his man, with the 23-year-old excited to learn from the Argentinian.
“I think, as you see, the players now who have played with them since the Championship, they’ve all improved as players,” said James.
“If you ask them, they will definitely say that.
“Obviously I spoke to Tyler (Roberts) and he’s learned so much that maybe it’s not even him being told, it’s kind of the sessions he’s done. Not just learning from speech, it’s visually.
“It’s my time. I’m 23 now going on 24 but at the end of my career, towards the end, I still want to keep learning every day and I think it’s important to do that.”
Excited to finally join @LUFC! I’m looking forward to playing at Elland Road in front of the fans and to start this next chapter in my career! See you all after the International break!👊🏼⚪ pic.twitter.com/OpRt5z4rTI
— Daniel James (@Daniel_James_97) August 31, 2021
Leeds forked out £25m to sign James but the player is not expecting to stroll into the line-up.
“I haven’t spoke to anyone about my position but I’m happy to play anywhere in the team,” he said.
“I’m not going to go in and expect to walk into the team because it’s a great group of players, who are playing very well.
“But I think everyone in that team in the forward line can play anywhere so, yeah, for me I’ve played most positions – striker, left, right – and I’m happy to play any of them.”
It is that hunger and humility that means James received warm wishes rather than abuse from Manchester United fans when making the move across the Pennines to join rivals Leeds.
“I had a great two seasons there,” he added. “I learned so much, played with great players.
“The manager (Ole Gunnar Solskjaer) brought me in and he fully trusted in me and I will always thank him for that.
“I had a great time there, great memories, but it’s a new chapter in my career now and it’s one that I’m fully looking forward to.”