CYMRU has secured the services of former England Under-21 international left-back, Jay Dasilva, for their crucial Euro 2024 qualifiers against Armenia and Turkey. The 25-year-old Coventry City defender, who had previously represented England throughout his youth career, receives his first call-up to the Cymru squad, adding a new dimension to Robert Page’s defensive options.
Dasilva’s inclusion comes at a pivotal moment for Cymru, who can secure their spot in the upcoming European Championship if they triumph in their last two qualifying matches. The Cymru squad is set to face Armenia in Yerevan on Saturday, 18 November, followed by a home clash against Turkey at the Cardiff City Stadium three days later.
Born in Luton, Jay Dasilva’s connection to Cymru lies in his familial roots. Despite his English upbringing, Dasilva’s grandmother hails from Pontypridd, forging a unique link that now sees him don the red jersey for the land of his familial heritage.
The Coventry City defender, who joined the club on a free transfer last summer after parting ways with Bristol City, has carved a commendable career path. A product of Chelsea’s esteemed academy, Dasilva honed his skills during loan spells at Charlton Athletic, accumulating 54 appearances, before a stint at Ashton Gate in 2018.
Making a permanent move to Bristol City in the subsequent year, Dasilva became a stalwart for the Robins, amassing an impressive total of 144 appearances for the club. Despite being offered a new contract by Bristol City, Dasilva opted for a fresh challenge, penning a four-year deal with Coventry City.
The Dasilva footballing legacy extends beyond Jay, as his younger brother Cole has previously represented Cymru at the Under-21 level. The brothers’ combined prowess could provide Cymru with a potent left-side dynamic, adding further depth to Page’s tactical arsenal.
Welcoming Dasilva to the fold, Robert Page acknowledged the defender’s capabilities, stating, “Jay brings valuable experience and versatility to our squad. His journey in English football has been commendable, and we believe he can contribute significantly to our defensive setup.”
Dasilva’s inclusion expands the options available to Page on the left side of defence, complementing the talents of Ben Davies, Neco Williams, and Sunderland’s Niall Huggins, who were earlier named in the original squad for the qualifiers.
