Joe Ledley backs Wales to qualify for the last 16 at Euro 2016
Defender also announces he is fit to face Russia
Friday 17 June 2016 14:45, UK
Joe Ledley insists Wales can take control of their own destiny when they face Russia in their final group game at Euro 2016.
Wales were within seconds of virtually securing their place in the next round of the competition in Lens on Thursday when Daniel Sturridge gave England a dramatic 2-1 victory.
A long-range Gareth Bale free-kick gave the Welsh the lead at a raucous Stade Bollaert-Delelis but the Three Lions hit back in the second half to equalise through substitute Jamie Vardy before Daniel Sturridge netted a dramatic last-gasp winner.
The Liverpool striker's goal took England to the top of Group B but qualification remains in Wales' hands ahead of their last outing against the Russians in Toulouse
A victory would guarantee qualification, while a draw will also probably be enough for a last-16 spot.
Skipper Ashley Williams gathered the players together in an immediate post-match huddle in Lens and urged them to put the pain of defeat out of their minds.
"Ash told us there is still a game left and we are still in it," said midfielder Ledley.
"We are in a fantastic position and we need to regroup.
"We can still progress and it is in our hands.
"There is a big game in a few days and we must stay strong and stay together."
Ledley says the Wales camp will be focused on getting what they need against a Russia side who have only one point from two games after drawing with England and losing to Slovakia.
"We just need to continue what we have been doing, both on and off the pitch," said Ledley.
"Nothing changes. It was the last few seconds that cost us against England, no one likes having that happen with barely any time left on the clock.
"There are a lot of positives we can take and maybe the thing we can improve on is keeping the ball a bit better.
"Russia are a strong team, well organised.
"We need a point or three to get through and that is our aim, to go there and get the job done."
Ledley was forced off midway through the second half in Lens and there were fears that he had suffered a recurrence of the injury which threatened his place at Euro 2016.
But the midfielder, who fractured his leg playing for Crystal Palace on May 7 and made a remarkable recovery in time to feature at the Euros, said he came off as a precaution.
"It is okay, I will come back stronger," he said.
"I felt my calf tightening up a bit during half-time and once I got a bang on it, it stiffened up a bit.
"That is football, you go to hit people and it was an accident how Sturridge came in.
"I did not need to risk it as there is another game to go. I could have played on, but the lads said not to risk it.
"I did not expect to play 90 minutes out there and it was just good to start the game.
"I think it is whichever team is able to put the disappointments behind them from this middle game will be the ones to prevail."
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