The possibility of a Wales recall for veteran midfielder Joe Allen has been a topic of discussion among football fans and pundits alike. The 34-year-old Swansea City player retired from international duty in February 2023, but new Wales head coach Craig Bellamy has reportedly spoken to Allen about returning to the national squad. According to former Wales player Owain Tudur Jones, it would be a “no-brainer” for Wales to recall Allen if he is willing to come out of retirement.
Allen’s contributions to the Welsh national team cannot be overstated. He has earned 74 caps for his country and has been an integral part of Wales’ success in recent years, helping the team qualify for three major tournaments. His performances in the Euro 2016 semi-finals and the 2022 World Cup were particularly noteworthy, and he remains one of Wales’ all-time greats.
The Case for Joe Allen’s Recall
Despite Allen’s recent fitness issues, which have limited his playing time for Swansea, he still possesses a level of skill and experience that would be invaluable to the Welsh national team. His ability to control the tempo of the game and provide defensive cover is unmatched by many of his contemporaries, and his presence in the squad would undoubtedly strengthen Wales’ midfield.
Moreover, Allen’s experience at the highest level would provide a level of leadership and guidance that could benefit the younger players in the squad. His ability to read the game and make crucial interceptions would be particularly beneficial in high-pressure situations, and his vision and passing range would provide a valuable creative outlet for the team.
It is also worth noting that Allen has not ruled out the possibility of returning to international duty in the past. In the lead-up to Euro 2024, he stated that he would “never say no” to Rob Page, the former Wales head coach, if he were asked to come out of retirement. This suggests that Allen is still motivated to represent his country and is willing to contribute to the team’s success.
Wycombe Striker Sam Vokes Weighs in on the Debate
Another former Wales international, Wycombe striker Sam Vokes, has also expressed his support for Allen’s potential recall. Vokes believes that Allen’s experience and leadership qualities would be a valuable asset to the team, and that his presence in the squad would provide a level of depth and flexibility that is currently lacking.
“Joe’s a player that’s been and done it at every level – and at international level, so I could see that happening,” Vokes said in an interview. “I’m sure if Joe was to get back involved he’d want to play and get minutes on the pitch. But for Bellamy, it might be something a bit more off the pitch. Those lads are in and around the hotel for 10 days, two weeks at a time. So he will have that impact and aura around the place, and he’s been there and done it really for Wales.”
Swansea City Manager Russell Martin on Joe Allen’s Form
Swansea City manager Russell Martin has also commented on Allen’s current form and fitness. Despite Allen’s limited playing time for the club this season, Martin believes that he is still a player of immense quality and experience.
“Joe is still a fantastic player, and his experience and quality would be a valuable asset to any team,” Martin said. “He’s been working hard to get back to full fitness, and we’re hopeful that he will be able to contribute to the team’s success in the coming weeks and months.”
Allen’s Impact on the Team’s Morale
One of the most significant benefits of Allen’s potential recall is the impact it could have on the team’s morale. Allen is widely respected by his teammates, and his presence in the squad would undoubtedly provide a boost to the team’s confidence and motivation.
As Vokes noted, Allen’s experience and leadership qualities would provide a level of stability and guidance that could benefit the younger players in the squad. His ability to read the game and make crucial interceptions would also provide a sense of reassurance for the team’s defense, and his vision and passing range would provide a valuable creative outlet for the team.
The Debate Surrounding Allen’s Recall
Despite the benefits of Allen’s potential recall, there are also concerns about his fitness and ability to contribute to the team’s success. Allen has struggled with injuries in recent years, and there are questions about whether he would be able to play a full 90 minutes in every game.
Additionally, there are also concerns about the impact of Allen’s recall on the team’s younger players. Some have argued that Allen’s return could block the development of younger players, such as Jordan James, who have been gaining valuable experience and playing time in Allen’s absence.
However, as Tudur Jones noted, the decision to recall Allen is ultimately up to the player himself. “It’s for Joe to decide whether he wants to come back or not,” Tudur Jones said. “If he’s fit and willing to play, then I think he would be a valuable asset to the team. But if he’s not feeling it, then it’s not worth risking his health and fitness.”
Ultimately, the decision to recall Joe Allen will depend on a number of factors, including his fitness, form, and willingness to play. However, if he is able to overcome his fitness issues and contribute to the team’s success, it could be a significant boost to Wales’ chances of qualifying for future tournaments.