Wales’ Euro 2016 squad: Where are they now?

When the squads for Euro 2016 were announced, few expected Wales to pull up any trees.

A few star players aside the 23 largely consisted of unsensational performers who either plied their trade in the lower reaches of the Premier League or the second tier.

Despite their limitations, fuelled by a feverish team spirit and togetherness Wales managed to upset the odds and make it all the way to the semi-finals – where they bowed out to eventual winners Portugal.

Wondering what that squad of miracle workers are up to now? Well, wonder no more.

Wayne HennesseyWayne Hennessey

Hennessey was Wales’ goalkeeper for the tournament / Matthew Ashton – AMA/Getty Images

Ah, Wayne Hennessy. Wales’ number one for many years, he was at Crystal Palace during the tournament and he remains there to this day.

Chris GunterChris Gunter

Gunter played every game at the Euros / Jean Catuffe/Getty Images

Another mainstay of Chris Coleman’s side, Gunter remained at Reading until 2020 when he sealed a move to Charlton.

Gunter became the first Welsh international to reach 100 caps in 2021.

Thomas Meunier, Neil TaylorThomas Meunier, Neil Taylor

Neil Taylor played every minute of the tournament / Matthias Hangst/Getty Images

The ever reliable Neil Taylor did not miss a single second of Wales’ Euro 2016 campaign.

At the time he was at Swansea City but he moved on to Aston Villa in January 2017. He is out of contract in summer 2021 and has not played for his country since 2019.

Aaron Ramsey, Ben DaviesAaron Ramsey, Ben Davies

Davies miss out on the semi-final with injury / Matthew Ashton – AMA/Getty Images

Ben Davies was an important part of the Welsh back three and his absence in the semi-finals against Portugal was a blow.

Since the Euros he has continued to feature for Tottenham, but missed out on a place in the 2019 Champions League final.

James ChesterJames Chester

Chester was an ever present of the team / Matthew Ashton – AMA/Getty Images

An ever present of the side, James Chester sealed a move to Aston Villa after the tournament.

During his four years at Villa Park he played regularly before moving onto Stoke City in 2020.

Chris Coleman, Ashley WilliamsChris Coleman, Ashley Williams

Williams was skipper for the tournament / Handout/Getty Images

Ashley Williams’ performances earned him a £12m move to Everton. After a good start age began to takes it toll on Williams.

A loan move to Stoke and a permanent switch to Bristol City followed, before he announced his retirement in January 2021 after failing to find a club.

Joe AllenJoe Allen

Allen has a top tournament / Chris Brunskill Ltd/Getty Images

The Welsh Pirlo left Liverpool for Stoke City at the end of the tournament.

Despite the Potters’ relegation he has remained loyal ever since and is one of the classiest midfield operators in the Championship.

Andy KingAndy King

King is a Leicester City legend / Matthew Ashton – AMA/Getty Images

The summer of 2016 was the best time of Andy King’s life. Not only was he celebrating Leicester’s Premier League title win, he also reached the Euros semi-finals.

The season after he featured in the Champions League, eventually slipping down the Foxes pecking order. Loan moves to Swansea, Derby, Rangers and Huddersfield Town followed, before he headed to Belgium to play for the King Power owned OH Leuven.

Hal Robson-Kanu, Thomas Meunier, Marouane FellainiHal Robson-Kanu, Thomas Meunier, Marouane Fellaini

Robson-Kanu grabbed one of the goals of the tournament / Mike Hewitt/Getty Images

Hal Robson-Kanu did not even have a club when the tournament kick off. However, after scoring a wonder goal in the quarter finals against Belgium he was snapped up by West Brom.

He remains there to his day and even tucked away a Premier League goal against Liverpool recently, before Alisson scored an even better one which stole the headlines.

Aaron Ramsey, Chris GuntherAaron Ramsey, Chris Gunther

Ramsey was gutted to miss out on the biggest game in Welsh history / Chris Brunskill Ltd/Getty Images

Aaron Ramsey had a brilliant tournament but heartbreakingly missed the semi-final through suspension.

After the Euros he lifted the FA Cup with Arsenal in 2017 before sealing a free transfer to Juventus where he has had mixed fortunes.

Gareth BaleGareth Bale

Bale received a hero’s welcome back in Wales / Matthew Horwood/Getty Images

Gareth Bale. The man was almost single handedly dragged Wales through the tournament.

Back-to-back Champions League triumphs followed in the seasons after Euro 2016 before he became public enemy number one in Madrid for playing too much golf.

Eventually he escaped the Bernabeu, sealing a nostalgia fuelled return to Tottenham in 2020 on loan.

Owain Fon WilliamsOwain Fon Williams

Fon Williams has one cap for Wales / Matthew Ashton – AMA/Getty Images

The most Welsh sounding player in the squad did not play at the tournament.

Since then he has carved out a reasonable career as a backup keeper in Scotland and currently plies his trade at Dunfermline.

George WilliamsGeorge Williams

Williams has dropped off the map somewhat since the tournament / Michael Steele/Getty Images

At the time of the tournament, winger George Williams was a highly rated youngster at Fulham.

He has not quite fulfilled his potential since but has still managed to enjoy a half decent lower league career with the likes of MK Dons, Forest Green and Grimsby Town – where he currently plays.

David EdwardsDavid Edwards

Edwards is a fan favourite at Shrewsbury these days / Matthew Ashton – AMA/Getty Images

Wolves favourite David Edwards was mainly used as a substitute at the Euros.

One year after the end of the tournament he left Molineux, joining Reading before moving back to the west Midlands with Shrewsbury Town.

Jazz RichardsJazz Richards

Richards readying himself for two minutes of action / Ian Walton/Getty Images

Jazz Richard enjoyed just two minutes of playing time of Euro 2020. Still, we’re sure he still had a nice time.

Later that summer he joined Cardiff City, spending four years before being released in 2020. Most recently he was turning out for Welsh side Haverfordwest County after falling out of love with the game towards the end of his time in the capital.

Wales v Portugal - Semi Final: UEFA Euro 2016Wales v Portugal - Semi Final: UEFA Euro 2016

Ledley is a cult hero / Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images

Joe Ledley has had a rambling career since the summer of 2016, taking in spells at Derby, Charlton, Newcastle Jets and most recently, Newport County.

He has not officially retired from international duty. Surely he still has time to add to his 77 caps?

Bald magician David Cotterill did not feature at Euro 2016 and in December 2017 he was released by Birmingham City.

Soon after he penned terms with Indian Super League side ATK, spending a few months there before retiring. In 2020 he came out of retirement to play for Barry Town United alongside his cousin Jordan.

UEFA EURO 2016 semi-final - "Portugal v Wales"UEFA EURO 2016 semi-final - "Portugal v Wales"

Vokes scored at the Euros / VI-Images/Getty Images

After the tournament Sam Vokes enjoyed his first ever Premier League season with Burnley. Vokes continued to contributed to the Clarets’ surprise success, netting the club’s first European goal in over 50 years in 2018.

He was snapped up by Stoke City in January 2019, where he has managed eight goals in 78 league games since. Prolific stuff.

Wales Homecoming Tour and ShowWales Homecoming Tour and Show

Collins looking fabulous / Matthew Horwood/Getty Images

James Collins was reaching the end of his impressive career when the tournament rolled around.

He would last three more seasons, two and half of which he spent at West Ham and the rest at Ipswich Town.

Jonathan Williams, Chris SmallingJonathan Williams, Chris Smalling

Williams battling against England / Stu Forster/Getty Images

After the Euros Jonny Williams shot to fame as the one of the stars of the first season of smash hit documentary Sunderland til’ I Die.

Since then he has enjoyed a fairly injury free time at Charlton and currently turns out for Cardiff City.

Danny WardDanny Ward

Ward could be between the sticks for Wales at Euro 2020 / Stu Forster/Getty Images

Danny Ward got one run out between the sticks at Euro 2016. After impressing on loan at Huddersfield Town he returned as Liverpool’s backup keeper for the 2017/2018 campaign.

After Alisson arrived he was sold to Leicester City for a hefty £12.5m where he is yet to make a Premier League appearance.

Wales v Andorra - UEFA EURO 2016 QualifierWales v Andorra - UEFA EURO 2016 Qualifier

Vaughan played a few games in qualifying / Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images

Diminutive midfielder David Vaughan did not play at Euro 2016, returning to Nottingham Forest after the tournament.

He made a switch across the River Trent in 2018, signing for Notts County for a season before retiring. These days he works at Crewe as an academy coach.

Gareth Bale, Simon ChurchGareth Bale, Simon Church

Church will be able to tell his grandkids he once replaced Gareth Bale / Dennis Grombkowski/Getty Images

The hard working Simon Church enjoyed a pair of substitute appearances at Euro.

After the tournament factors beyond his control affected his career. While playing for Roda JC he suffered a serious hip injury and in 2018 it would eventually force him to retire aged just 29.

Since then he has been helping former players adjust to life after the game by helping them make investments for their future.

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