International Under-21s debuts for Cameron Congreve and Liam Smith

21st June
Academy
Cameron Congreve Wales

This international break saw several Swansea City academy players feature for their respective countries, with Cameron Congreve and Liam Smith making their international Under-21s' debuts for Wales and Scotland respectively.

Matty Jones' young Dragons had to settle for a 2-2 draw with hosts Denmark in what was an entertaining opening fixture with three penalties and two red cards. 

Wales fell behind after Maurits Kjaergaard struck from the spot just before half-time. Rubin Colwill drew level after Lucas Hey was sent off for the handball that blocked the Welshman's shot.

But after Colwill's second converted penalty kick, Oliver Provstgaard headed Denmark level.

Josh Thomas was introduced from the bench shortly before Alexander Busch also saw red in the 80th minutes for a rash challenge on the Swansea striker.

Ben Lloyd and Joel Cotterill were unused substitutes and Evan Watts missed out. 

Denmark, the group leaders, beat Lithuania 2-1 in the opening pool game. The group also includes the Czech Republic and Iceland.

Wales have never qualified for the Euro Under-21 finals, with a play-off defeat by England in 2007 the closest they have come.

Dan Watts Wales

Meanwhile, Dan Watts featured in both of Wales' Under-19s friendlies against Sweden at the Leckwith Stadium, Cardiff. 

The young Dragons were narrowly defeated by Sweden the first time round, but held on for a 2-2 draw in their second fixture.

The friendlies aided preparations for the Uefa European Under-19 qualifying campaign which gets under way later this year. Wales will face England, Austria and hosts Montenegro in the qualifying round.

Liam Smith

Scotland Under-21s rounded off their Spain training camp with two draws against Norway. 19-year-old Liam Smith made his international Under-21s debut in the first fixture of the Norwegian double header and also featured in the second game.

Azeem Abdulai also came off the bench in both matches.

The games will represent the final preparation matches as they look ahead to the the first Uefa Euro 2025 qualifying match against Spain in September.