Next summer’s World Cup could see Wales, the Republic of Ireland and Scotland all feature – with a qualification play-off draw being held on Thursday.
Gary Neville has declared he favours Scotland and the Republic of Ireland “a lot more” than Wales. The ex-England defender was reflecting on the recent international fixtures – which saw Scotland secure their World Cup place for next summer, while Wales and Ireland clinched play-off positions.
Craig Bellamy’s Welsh squad finished runners-up in their qualifying group after recording five wins, one draw and two defeats across their eight fixtures. Despite claiming consecutive victories over Liechtenstein and North Macedonia during the international break, Wales had to accept second place behind group winners Belgium.
The draw for the play-offs has now been made. To secure their place at next summer’s tournament, Wales must first overcome Bosnia and Herzegovina, before a possible home final against either Italy or Northern Ireland.
Scotland, meanwhile, topped their own group as they earned automatic qualification after defeating Denmark in dramatic fashion in a crucial encounter at Hampden Park. Ireland grabbed a play-off place following an impressive triumph over Portugal and a dramatic late victory in Hungary.
Neville said he does experience genuine joy when Ireland and fellow British nations reach major tournaments. But he also controversially revealed he has a preference for other teams over Wales.
“I do think from an England perspective, when Scotland, Wales and Ireland qualify for tournaments, I genuinely feel happiness towards it,” Neville said on Thursday’s episode of The Overlap. “I feel like there is a warmth towards them and I want them there. It’s not patronising.
“I like Scotland and Ireland a lot more than Wales. I don’t know what it is about them.”
When pressed for details by fellow pundit Jamie Carragher, Neville explained: “I was on the coaching staff [when Wales celebrated England getting knocked out at Euro 2016] and it could be something to do with that.”
Prior to Wales revelling in England’s surprise last 16 defeat against Iceland nine years ago now, Neville had caused controversy after the Three Lions netted a stoppage-time winner against Wales in the group stage.
The iconic ex-Manchester United defender – who was part of Roy Hodgson’s backroom team – sprinted down the touchline to join England’s celebrations after Daniel Sturridge secured a 2-1 victory. Neville then exchanged words with the Wales dugout as he returned to his position.
Back in 2021, former Swansea and Wales defender Ashley Williams reflected on the incident and Neville’s part in it.
“We had England in the groups in Euro 2016, we were going back and forward with them in our press conferences, especially Gaz [Gareth Bale].
“I’m trying to put fires out left, right and centre, Gaz [Bale] keeps doing press conferences winding them up, they’re having a nibble back. Then they beat us in the 98th minute, or whatever it was, and over-celebrated. Gary Neville is running down to the corner flag to celebrate.
“If we’d have won in the same manner – I’m not saying we wouldn’t have done the same thing – but the back and forth goes on with them long after the game. Half of our squad are born in England, but we’re very Welsh. No-one doubted our commitment to Wales.
“We watched the game against Iceland, and there’s a little bit of previous from a couple of weeks ago, but a lot of it was just because it was Iceland. Who didn’t love Iceland that year?
“Apart from England, everyone else loved them.” The same tournament saw Wales make it to the semi-finals, where they were defeated by the eventual champions, Portugal.