Wales made it to the semi-finals of the European Championships five years ago but will have their work cut out if they are to go one better this time around.

The group stage draw might have been kind to Robert Page’s men – who will lead the team in the absence of Ryan Giggs, who will go on trial in January accused of assault, which he denies.

But if they are to advance into the latter stages of the competition they lit-up back in 2016, they could face stiff opposition.

However, Wales will be stronger for their experiences at Euro 2016 – their first major tournament for 58 years – and they appear to possess greater depth this time.

So here’s a look at the possible scenarios that await Wales if they are to progress to the finals of the Euros this summer.

The Group

This is the easy part as we all know what team is in what group and who will face each other and where, with Wales drawn with hosts Italy, plus Switzerland and Turkey.

So here are Wales’s three group opponents and when they play each other in Group D

Last 16

Italy are many people’s favourites to top Group A, but Wales will be more than confident of claiming the second spot – which would ensure qualification.

And even if the Welsh do finish second, their route to the quarter-finals wouldn’t be too daunting with a potential tie with Denmark or Russia, assuming Ukraine or North Macedonia cause a huge upset.

However, a second-place finish, and the same for Belgium in Group B, would see a repeat of the 2016 semi-final which saw Wales go out at the hands of the Red Devils.

Quarter Finals

Here’s where things get a little more complicated as Wales’ quarter-final opponents will be decided by who finishes where in their various groups and obviously what sides progress through the first round of knockout games.

But let’s try and break it down as simply and as clearly as possible.

If Wales win Group A and win round of 16 game…

Friday, July 2 – Winner of Group B (Denmark, Finland, Belgium, Russia) OR 3rd in Group A/D/E/F Kick-off 8pm (Munich)

If Wales finish second in Group A and win round of 16 game…

Saturday, July 3 – Winner of Group C (Netherlands, Ukraine, Austria, North Macedonia) OR 3rd in Group D/E/F Kick-off 5pm (Baku)

If Wales finish as one of four best third-place teams and win round of 16 game…

If Wales beat Group F winner in last-16:

Friday, July 2 –  Runner-up of Group D (England, Croatia, Scotland, Czech Republic) OR Runner-up Group E (Spain, Sweden, Poland, Slovakia); Kick-off 5pm (St Petersburg)

If Wales beat Group B winner in last-16:

Friday, July 2 – Winner of Group A (Turkey, Italy, Wales, Switzerland) OR Runner-up of Group C (Netherlands, Ukraine, Austria, North Macedonia); Kick-off 8pm (Munich)

If Wales beat Group E winner in last-16:

Saturday, July 3 – Winner of Group D (England, Croatia, Scotland, Czech Republic) OR Runner-up of Group F (Spain, Sweden, Poland, Slovakia); Kick-off 8pm (Rome)

Semi Finals and beyond

If Wales match their achievements of five years ago they will at least know one thing, their semi-final game will be played at Wembley.

And should they go one better than they did five years ago, they will once again be playing in London as Wembley has also been named as the venue for the final of this summer’s European Championships.

Semi-finals

July 6th-7th | Wembley

Final

July 11th | Wembley

Click here For all the latest Euros odds 

 

Follow Matthewjcrist on Twitter