Actor Rhys Ifans’ impassioned speech inspired Wales’ victory – Jordan James

Jordan James has revealed how a passionate speech from actor Rhys Ifans inspired Wales to a Euro 2024 play-off victory over Finland.

Ifans rose to worldwide fame in the 1999 hit comedy Notting Hill – alongside Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts – and is also known for his roles in Marvel’s Harry Potter and Spider-Man films.

The 56-year-old Welsh actor spoke to Rob Page’s side ahead of their 4-1 play-off semi-final win over Finland on Thursday, telling them that “nothing unites us like you do and allows us to safely show our pride and our heartbreak”.

“It was incredible,” said James, the Birmingham midfielder. “I had goosebumps when he spoke.

“All the guys said the same thing. It really touched the heart and showed how much this means to the fans and to all Welsh people around the world.

“Having the support of the fans is incredible and it helps us a lot.”

Wales return to Cardiff City Stadium on Tuesday to face Poland with a place at Euro 2024 on the line.

Victory would see Wales qualify for a third consecutive European Championship and a fourth major tournament in five, having not appeared at one between 1958 and 2016.

“We want to be in these big tournaments. We’re just one game away from the final and we’re looking forward to it,” James said.

“The next game is huge, for everyone and for the whole country. The manager told us to trust ourselves. We are good players.

“If we trust each other, play together, work hard for each other and use the fans to our advantage, then everything will be easier. We can always get through this. »

James won’t turn 20 until July, but the teenager – who was heavily linked with Serie A club Atalanta during the January transfer window – has become a mainstay of the Welsh midfield alongside Ethan Ampadu over the past six months.

He will win his 10th cap against Poland, but admits that he had not even considered the prospect of playing Euro 2024 during the last European Championship, three years ago.

“I was at home watching it on TV with my parents,” James said. “I didn’t even hope to be present at the next match. I hadn’t even thought about it, so to be here and one game away is incredible. »

On playing alongside Ampadu, James added: “Ethan is a top player, I am inspired to be like him. Getting 50 caps at 23 is something I want to do.

“I hope I can follow in his footsteps and have the career he’s going to have.

“The more you play together, the better you will be.

“I’m starting to know what he’s going to do with the ball so I can react accordingly.

“We work very well together, which is really good.”