The international break has finally come to an end with as many as 16 Leeds United players in action over the last fortnight, with many Leeds stars enjoying their time with the National Team.
Six players found themselves on the score sheet. Sam Chambers, Dan James, Diogo Monteiro, Rasmus Kristensen and Mateo Joseph all scored, before Junior Firpo netted overnight for The Dominican Republic.
Manor Solomon laid on an assist for Israel in a 2-1 win over Estonia while Ao Tanaka helped Japan win the first ticket to the 2026 World Cup with a win over Bahrain. Wales remained unbeaten under Craig Bellamy.
A win over Kazakhstan on the weekend got things off to a flyer for Leeds’ three-man Wales contingent of James, Karl Darlow and Joe Rodon – before the trio flew out to Skopje to take on North Macedonia.
Wales media have their say on Leeds United star Joe Rodon
What was a tense, close affair ended spectacularly. Substitute Joe Allen gifted North Macedonia with a goal on 91 minutes as Bojan Miovski took advantage – only for David Brooks to equalise on 96 minutes.
It saw Bellamy maintain his unbeaten start to life as Wales boss, now going nine games without defeat. Welsh outlet Y Clwb Pel-Droed heaped praise on £10m Leeds man Rodon, handing him a rating of 7/10.
“Yet again Rodon showing why he’s an important part of this side with his defensive display. He continues to win everything that comes near the Wales box and will be disappointed in conceding a soft goal.”
Nathan Blake describes Joe Rodon as “immense” in Wales draw
Rodon is one of the first names on the Wales team sheet at the moment, surpassing 50 caps this season and well on course to reach 100 in a Wales shirt. Rodon is arguably enjoying his best season in football.
Another stunning display from a player that continues to show remarkable consistency and at £10m, a bargain signing for Leeds. Former Wales star Nathan Blake described Rodon as “immense” on BBC Sport.
“Joe Rodon and Chris Mepham have been immense alongside the two full-backs, they’ve looked so solid. They’ve swept up any mistakes their team-mates have made, they’ve stopped every attack,” Blake said.
A quick turnaround for Rodon as well as James and Darlow, albeit Darlow will be on the bench for Leeds and James played 63 minutes – something Wales fans were not happy about. Swansea next, on Saturday.
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
