by Callum Ellis
STRIKER Tyler Roberts believes Wales can beat anybody after getting their Euro 2020 qualifying campaign up and running with a 1-0 victory.
Daniel James struck early on his first competitive start at the Cardiff City Stadium as Ryan Giggs’ men edged past Slovakia.
Giggs selected a youthful starting line-up, while Real Madrid star Gareth Bale was awarded the captaincy for the absent Ashley Williams who was named on the bench.
“I think we showed what we are about today,” said 20-year-old Roberts.
“We showed that we’re a strong side and we can beat anybody.”
Five players under the age of 22, including Chris Mepham, David Brooks and Matthew Smith, were all handed starts in the Welsh capital.
And Roberts says the manager has full faith in the more inexperienced players in the squad.
“The gaffer said the only way to get experience is to play games and he trusts us to do that.
“It came off today and obviously we’ve got the three points and we’ll take that moving forward.”
Despite a nervy second-half, Wales did enough to see out the victory and now face a tricky double-header against Croatia and Hungary in June.
It was essential that Giggs’ side kicked-off the campaign with a positive result, with Slovakia having already registered three points on the board from their opening qualifier against Hungary.
He continued: “With a lot of the teams playing twice, it was important to get the three points.
“We’ve gone out there with a lot of pressure on us to do that.”
Roberts is still eagerly awaiting his first senior goal for his country, but expressed his delight for fellow youngster James.
“I’m buzzing for him. He’s such a great lad and I’ve known him for quite some time, so for him to get that goal and for it to be the winner, is a great feeling for him and the rest of the boys.
