Euro 2016: ‘No Wales panic’ after Israel draw, says Ashley Williams

Wales were made to wait in their bid to secure qualification for next year’s European Championship as Chris Coleman’s side were held to a 0-0 draw by Israel at the Cardiff City Stadium.

I am absolutely ecstatic for them and I want them to get excited because they have waited such a long time.

“Then, yeah, absolutely. They will deserve being called that”.

“I feel confident in my players and the serious approach of the team but we know that against Wales it will be totally different”, Israel coach Eli Guttman said. With that comes a bit of pressure, but there’s a lot of quality there. Belgium are second on 14 points, while Cyprus are three points behind Israel (12) in fourth.

Bale’s late header eventually proved the difference on a momentous night but Coleman believes there is an even bigger occasion around the corner.

But Ramsey says he would relish a game against England having lost to them twice in Euro 2012 qualifying.

There were Cypriot howls for a penalty when Nestoras Mitidis tumbled in the box under Ashley Williams’ challenge and the Wales captain was in the right place to cut out a near-post cross as the hosts threatened.

Bale rose high to head home the winning goal, and Coleman saw shades of “Gentle Giant” John Charles – the bustling centre-forward who featured for Wales in its last outing at a major tournament – the 1958 FIFA World Cup in Sweden.

Wales have not conceded a goal in five matches.

Wales visit Bosnia-Herzegovina and entertain group whipping boys Andorra in October on the back of the Israel game, and it is almost unthinkable now that Coleman’s side will trip up in the final straight.

“By hook or by crook, it doesn’t matter if we’re tired physically or mentally, we’ve got to get ourselves ready for another huge game”, he added.

The noise levels increased as Wales pressed in the final stages and the stadium erupted when Church headed the ball past Martziano only for the celebrations to be curtailed by the linesman’s flag.

Joe Ledley will miss Sunday’s clash because of a hamstring injury with Nottingham Forest’s David Vaughan replacing him while West Brom defender James Chester is expected to be passed fit following a slight hamstring strain.

“They really put their bodies on the line and throw themselves in front of the ball, they put in these last-ditch tackles to stop goals and they’ve done it again”.

Seemingly buoyed by their solid first-half display at the back, Israel were composed early in the second half, keeping possession well without forcing clear-cut chances.