JORDAN JAMES says Rhys Ifans' impassioned pre-match speech helped Wales book their play-off spot.
The award-winning Welsh actor was invited to speak to Rob Page's squad before their crunch clash against Finland.
Ifans star of such films as Notting Hill, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, and Twin Town - evoked Welsh "ghosts" of yesteryear in a four-minute unscripted cameo which received a huge round of applause from Ben Davies (with Joe Rodon, far right) and the Red Dragons squad.
His words have been viewed hundreds of thousands of times on social media and James, 19, said that the 56-year-old struck exactly the right note as Wales thumped the visitors 4-1.
The Birmingham City midfielder said: "Did it inspire us? Yes, it was unbelievable.
This story is from the March 23, 2024 edition of Daily Mirror UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the March 23, 2024 edition of Daily Mirror UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
GRACE THE ACE FOR SARINA
International Women's Friendlies GRACE CLINTON took just eight minutes to seal England's victory at Bramall Lane.
Germany in way of Car drive
LEE CARSLEY'S England Under-21 team will face Germany, Czechia and Slovenia as they bid to successfully defend their Euro U21 crown in Slovakia next summer.
Versatile Amad to get new contract
RUBEN AMORIM says Manchester United will hand Amad a new contract after hailing him as one of the players who has impressed him the most.
We've beaten Euro & Prem champs...now for the tough games!
SLOT: AFTER TWO WINS LIKE THIS IT IS OFTEN DIFFICULT TO SHOW UP AGAIN & AGAIN AWAY
CHANGING OF GAARD PUTS SAKA ON PARADE
WHEN Mikel Arteta named his first Arsenal starting XI, he stuck Bukayo Saka at left-back.
AMORGRIM WARNING
After his bright start, United boss says he knows that 'the storm is coming... and we will be found out in some games'
END OF AN ERA, PEP? 'COULD BE'
Guardiola fears City dominance is ending
VANTASTIC
Ruud reian's off to flyer.. thanks to Vardy and VAR
GIANT STEPS
Radlinski says Wigan will continue worldwide quest of tapping into other major sporting organisations following New York trip
Wellington hoot
AS ENGLAND RETURN TO SCENE OF DEFEAT IN ONE OF THE GREAT TESTS... BLACK CAPS HERO WAGNER RELIVES 'BEST FEELING EVER'
