Euro 2024 play-off final: Poland will see Wales as ‘big threat’, says David Brooks

Poland will view Wales as a “big threat” in their Euro 2024 play-off final on Tuesday, says David Brooks.

Robert Page’s side will face Poland, who thrashed Estonia 5-1 in the other semi-final, in Cardiff for a place at this summer’s European Championship.

“We’re halfway there. The aim was to get to the Euros and we have another big game,” said Brooks.

“Poland are a good team with good players but we’re a good team with good players.

“They’ll be looking at us as a big threat as well. We’ll be putting a game-plan together.

“Hopefully it’s another special night. Everyone in there wants to play at the Euros again and we’ll be all pulling in the same direction.”

Page had raised a few eyebrows by selecting Brooks and benching striker Kieffer Moore, without whom Wales’ front three lacked a natural centre-forward.

But the manager was instantly vindicated when Brooks put Wales ahead in the third minute as he volleyed in after Harry Wilson’s shot had been saved.

Whereas in the past Wales have been undermined by their players’ lack of regular club football, that has now changed with the likes of Brooks and Moore playing consistently since making moves during the January transfer window.

The fact that Tottenham forward Brennan Johnson and Leeds United winger Daniel James – with the latter coming on as a substitute – also scored illustrated Wales’ newfound competition for places in attacking positions.

“We’re all at club level trying to do the best we can to give ourselves the best chance of starting,” added Brooks, who has been in fine form since joining Southampton on loan from Bournemouth.

“But if anyone else had started I couldn’t really complain because all the forward lads have been doing well and scoring at their clubs.

“So I’m just thankful to have got the nod and it was good to repay the manager with a goal and an assist.

“It’s a Wales team with plenty of firepower. DJ [James] and Kieffer have been in good form but were both on the bench, there’s goals throughout the team and if anyone plays they’ll be a threat.

“As a player you want to offer as much as possible to give the gaffer a headache and all the lads possess that, whoever he picks in the front three will be a threat to Poland.”

Central midfielder Jordan James, who played the full 90 minutes against Finland, agreed with that assessment.

“They’re a joy to play with,” he said of Wales’ attacking players.

“Just give them the ball and they’ll do something. I’m there to supply the ball so they can hurt teams and today [Thursday] I was able to do that and hopefully we can do that against Poland.”