CHERRIES defender Chris Mepham believes he has given himself “the best possible opportunity” to start Monday’s World Cup opener for Wales. The 25-year-old is set to compete with the likes of Ethan Ampadu, Tom Lockyer, Joe Rodon and Ben Davies for a starting centre-back berth under boss Rob Page.
Chris Mepham said: “First and foremost, I want to play. I think I’d be lying if I said otherwise. You come here and it’s such a big stage. For me it will be a dream to play on this stage. My form has been good going into it. I’ve had a good run of games, which is something that I’ve always asked for. I’ve given myself the best possible opportunity to be in that starting XI come Monday.”
Asked if progressing out of the group is what Wales have in their sights,
Chris Mepham said: “100 per cent, that’s the first thing we’re looking at. Come out the group, and see where that takes us. We’re more than good enough, we all know that.”
The warm weather in Qatar has been a talking point this week, with temperatures upwards of 30 degrees. Discussing how difficult that is making preparations,
Chris Mepham said: “It’s tough. Playing in England, it’s obviously a very different climate, different altitude. But I think where we’ve had warm weather camps in the past, we went to Portugal before the Euros, you kind of try and acclimatise yourself to it. Naturally it’s going to be tougher. You’re going to need to get fluids on board a lot and I’d imagine there could be (drinks) breaks, I’m not sure. But we just need to give a good account of ourselves and try and not let the weather and climate affect us.”
