It was a tough night for Leeds United’s Wales stars as a quick England start resulted in a 3-0 win for Thomas Tuchel’s side on Thursday night at Wembley.
Most importantly for Daniel Farke and Leeds, Joe Rodon, Ethan Ampadu and Karl Darlow came through the game unscathed ahead of massive matches for the trio next week, starting with Belgium on Tuesday.
Darlow could do very little about England’s three early goals, scored by Aston Villa duo Morgan Rogers and Ollie Watkins, before Arsenal superstar Bukayo Saka scored a dazzling curling effort to make it three.
Ampadu lasted until slightly after the hour mark, having only enjoyed little of the ball and looked tidy without making much of an impact. Rodon was often making blocks and clearances during the match.
Lee Dixon impressed by Leeds United star Joe Rodon
Rodon lasted the entire 90 minutes, with Craig Bellamy opting to rest Tottenham’s Ben Davies on the hour mark, with Davies having failed to feature for Thomas Frank’s Spurs. Belgium is up next for Bellamy’s men.
A massive game in their World Cup qualifying campaign, and Wales will need Rodon at his best. Certainly, on Thursday night, he did all he could including a sensational block when Anthony Gordon went through.
Sam Matterface and Lee Dixon responded on ITV’s commentary of the game, with Matterface praising Rodon for the start he has made this season. Dixon meanwhile, was left amazed by Rodon’s speed.
Matterface initially said, as lead commentator: “It’s Anthony Gordon for England, it’s another brilliant block by Joe Rodon,” before Dixon said: “He gets over so quick to block the ball, does Joe Rodon.”
Dixon continued: “Anthony Gordon will be looking at that, thinking he should get his shot away a bit earlier.” Matterface then added: “He’s started the season so well with Leeds. Hit the post against Spurs.”
Joe Rodon has to go down as one of Farke’s best signings
If Farke deserves praise for one thing during his tenure as Leeds manager, it is his work in the transfer window. Signing the likes of Ampadu, Rodon, Ao Tanaka, Jayden Bogle all for small-ish transfer fees.
Rodon was bought for just £10m but judging by the start he has made in the Premier League, with Rodon admitting himself he had a point to prove, his value is skyrocketing. This is the player Spurs wanted.
Combine that with the fact Rodon is closing on 60 caps for Wales at the age of just 27, the centre-back is likely to earn admirers among other Premier League clubs. Luckily for Leeds, he has a deal until 2028.
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