Aaron Ramsey has been named the new captain of Wales for the Euro 2024 qualifiers.

Aaron Ramsey will take over as Wales captain in place of Gareth Bale, with Ben Davies named vice-captain.

Bale, Wales’ all-time leading scorer and appearance maker, announced his retirement from football in January.

Wales manager Rob Page has called up four uncapped players for the upcoming Euro 2024 qualifiers against Croatia and Latvia.

Jordan James, Nathan Broadhead, and Ollie Cooper, as well as 17-year-old forward Luke Harris, could all earn their first caps.

Millwall striker Tom Bradshaw has been called up for the first time in five years due to his excellent form.

Ramsey, the squad’s most-capped outfield player, is fit and available, and Page believes he is the natural choice to become Wales’ new captain.

“Aaron was the vice-captain behind Gareth, and to me, it’s the natural progression,” Page explained.

“While we’ve still got someone of his quality in the squad it was the natural decision.

“Aaron, like the rest of us, took it hard after the World Cup. But there was no doubt about his future and desire to play for Wales.”

Page added that choosing Ramsey over Tottenham defender Davies, who will become Wales’ vice-captain, was a difficult decision.

“I see Ben Davies as a future captain, with a role similar to that of Gareth and Aaron,” Page said.

This is Wales’ first team announced since Bale announced his retirement from football.

Page said it’s strange to announce a squad without Wales’ long-time talisman, but he still expects him to play.

“We will meet and have discussions, he is still interested. “It was a big decision for him to make,” Page said.

“He still wants to be involved in whatever capacity it is – as long as I’m here I’d like Gareth to be a part of it. We recognize his worth and what he has to offer.

“This is strange. Gareth was an incredible servant and player who will be greatly missed.”

Wales will also be without recent international retirees Joe Allen, Chris Gunter, and Jonny Williams, who have all stated their intention to concentrate on their club careers.

Aside from the retirees, Wales’ World Cup squad members Rubin Colwill, Mark Harris, Dylan Levitt, and Matt Smith all miss out.

Wales kicks off their European Championship qualifying campaign against World Cup semifinalists Croatia on Saturday, March 25, before hosting Latvia at Cardiff City Stadium on Tuesday, March 28.

Wales has been drawn in Group D of Euro qualifying alongside Croatia, Latvia, Turkey, and Armenia, with the goal of reaching their third consecutive European Championship, which will be held in Germany next summer.

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