Football
ESPN staff 8y

Ashley Williams hopes Wales can bring back trophy from 2018 World Cup

Wales captain Ashley Williams wants the nation to build on their Euro 2016 success by returning home from the 2018 World Cup with the trophy.

Wales excelled during their time in France, progressing all the way to the semifinals in their first major tournament appearance since 1958.

Chris Coleman's side were treated to a heroes' welcome on their return home to Cardiff on Friday and Williams is hoping that in two years' time they will be able to bring back the World Cup with them from Russia.

"We've said to ourselves on the bus [parade], imagine if we had won the tournament, because looking at the streets, it feels like we have," Williams said to BBC Sport of the estimated 200,000 fans welcoming Wales home.

"After the Russia World Cup, hopefully it will be the same again -- but with a trophy."

Wales midfielder Joe Allen echoed Williams' words, saying the side can reach another level going forward.

"We can keep this momentum going," Allen said. "We are all very proud of what we have done and hope this is the benchmark and that we can look forward to more future success.

"I definitely feel we have more to give. We are still a young team, we all still have our prime to come and hopefully we can keep this confidence up and keep on growing as a team."

Wales begin their qualifying campaign for the 2018 World Cup at home to Moldova on Sept. 5, while they will also play Austria, Serbia, Republic of Ireland and Georgia.

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