Wrexham centre-back Williams is expected to be handed a starting place when Wales under 21s take on their England counterparts in a friendly international at The Racecourse on Thursday.

A star studded England squad will feature at Wrexham and Williams said it will be a brilliant experience coming up against renowned opponents such as Arsenal hot-shot Walcott.

"When you look at some of the players in the England squad, it will be great to be involved," said Williams today.

"Everyone knows the capabilities of people like Theo Walcott so facing them is something you will remember for years to come.

"You want to come up against top quality strikers.

"These sorts of strikers are decent and a good test. I have done okay so far for Wales and if I play, I will have to be on my toes."

Expectation levels have soared thanks to the recent results of Brian Flynn's young Wales team who are the unexpected leaders of their Uefa Championship qualifying group and just need to win one of their two remaining matches – both against rivals fancied Romania – to qualify for the play-offs.

And Williams, who has played every single minute of the qualifying campaign, including the victory against France, said Welsh football is thriving at the moment: "Everyone is looking forward to the game on Thursday, and it will be a great match to play in when you look at who could be involved. There is a lot of potential there," said Williams.

"With us doing so well, it has turned a lot of heads and shown we can play against the likes of England.

"The France result was excellent and we have just carried on from there. Being top of the group shows how far we have come.

"This set of players, and those who have jumped up to the senior squad, show that the future is good for Welsh football.

"It has been a good time lately. We did not really pick up the results before, and have not qualified for a tournament for years.

"If we can qualify for Sweden it would be massive achievement and great for Welsh football.

"They are two huge games against Romania and even though we are in the driving seat we will have to take the game to them.

"We will give it our best shot but we are just looking froward to England."

Wales have won five of their six qualifying matches, losing just once, and Williams admits spirits are high in the camp.

"It is nearly the end of the campaign and we just want to qualify," said Williams. "I have not missed one minute so have been a big part of it.

"The side has gelled together and everyone gets on well. The atmosphere in the camp is superb, and it shows in the football.

"We will take that confidence into the England game."

A number of players who have had experience of playing for John Toshack's senior Wales side, including Derby County's Lewin Nyatanga, are in Flynn's squad for the visit of Stuart Pearce's men.

Striker Ched Evans, who is required for Manchester City's end of season trip to Thailand, and the injured Rhys Williams of Middlesbrough do miss out.

But with Flynn having a strong squad to choose from, Williams said some players will be disappointed to miss out on Thursday: "Some dropping down from the senior squad means that some won't play and that is a bit of a kick in the teeth," said Williams. "But players will just have to wait their turn."

Despite enjoying an excellent run of form with Wales, Williams is experiencing the highs and lows of football having just been relegated with Wrexham.

The Reds' unbroken 87 year membership of the Football League has come to an end and Brian Little's side will be lining up in the Blue Square Premier next season.

But Williams is hoping Wrexham can make amends and win promotion at the first attempt: "It has been a disappointing season at Wrexham," he added.

"I have got one year left on my contract and after being part of a relegated side, I want to be part of a side that rectifies that and hopefully bounces back at the first attempt."

Meanwhile, two second year trainees, who finish their scholarships this summer, have been offered professional contracts by Wrexham. Goalkeeper Chris Maxwell and defender Chris Marriott are the players to have earned their first first pro deals.

Ask Brian

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