Should this be Wales’ starting line-up at Euro 2016?

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Chris Gunter (RWB)

Sometimes susceptible defensively, the wing-back role perfectly suits Gunter with his athleticism. Despite playing in the Championship for most of his club career, the Reading man has 67 caps for Wales and has been extremely reliable for his country over the past 9 years.

Gunter was very impressive in qualifying and therefore will take his place in Wales’ starting 11 on June 11^th.

James Collins (RCB)

One of Coleman’s big decisions ahead of the Slovakia games is who his 3^rd centre-back will be with the call coming down to a choice between James Collins and James Chester.

Collins’ additional game time this year cannot be underestimated with the West Ham man enjoying 1447 minutes of Premier League action this year compared to Chester’s 964 for West Brom.

For a nation making their European Championships debut, international experience is also an important factor with Collins earning 47 caps over a 12 year period to date whilst Chester didn’t make his Wales debut until June 2014.

Some fans may be unhappy about Collins’ inclusion given his history of international withdrawals due to ‘injury’. However, Wales cannot afford to let any past issues enter their thinking and must play their best team to give themselves the best chance of progressing from the group in France. This is a category Collins falls into and therefore he should start against the Slovaks.

Ashley Williams (CB)

Captain fantastic for Swansea and Wales, Williams has developed into one of the best central defenders in the Premier League in recent years. He will need to marshal Wales’ defence and help continue the fine qualification form which saw the Welsh defence stop Belgium, and their list of illustrious stars, from scoring in 180 minutes of action.

Having been rested by club side Swansea towards the end of the season, Wales fans will be hoping Williams is fresh for the tournament rather than undercooked.

Ben Davies (LCB)

Despite being used as a left-back throughout his club career to date, Davies’ physical presence means he should be suited to a centre-back role. This is exactly where Coleman utilised him throughout qualifying as Wales kept 7 clean sheets in 10 games.

Despite having limited game time during the second half of the Premier League campaign, Davies is one of Wales’ most promising young players and the fourth youngest in the squad at the age of 23. The tournament provides Davies with the perfect opportunity to continue his football education and give him a flavour of international tournaments, something that should spur him on in future qualifying campaigns.

Neil Taylor (LWB)

If Wales had decided to play with a flat back 4 during Qualifying, Taylor may have been the man to miss out. However, the 27 year-old has shown great consistency for club and country since his return from a broken ankle in April 2013 and should deservedly take his in place in Wales’ team for their Euro 2016 opener.

Familiarity is always helpful in defence and with Taylor and Ashley Williams having played alongside each other all season and Davies also an ex-Swansea player, this will give Wales solidity on the left side of their defence.