Coleman refusing to settle

Wales boss Chris Coleman has challenged his team to build on their qualification for Euro 2016 as they try to send a message to the next generation of players.

Coleman has led Wales to the country’s first major tournament for 58 years but the former Fulham boss is determined to not let it be a one-off.

Wales finished second in their qualifying group, just two points Belgium after six wins from 10 matches.

Their reward was a place in Group B for the European Championships, where they will take on England, Slovakia, and Russia.

Wales, who are 1.67 to qualify from their group, are expected to struggle in the latter rounds but Coleman admits that the current crop of players must make a statement.

The 45-year-old has yet to agree a new deal with the Welsh FA but he has urged his squad to inspire the next generation this summer.

He told BBC Sport: “Qualification must not be a one-off. If it is, then we haven’t done our job properly.

“Psychologically we’ve broken that barrier by qualifying. Everyone has dreamt about going to a tournament, but now we’re in a place of power we’ve got to capitalise on it.

“The next generation is obviously going to come from grass roots, so the key is how do you cut through the levels and produce better coaches and better players.

“In one way it’s a dangerous place where we are. Sitting back and saying ‘great, we’ve qualified’ is us failing really. What we’ve got to say is ‘Where are we going to take it?’

“We’ve got a great opportunity to push this forward and really take it on, and rather than us qualifying once every 50 years we should be doing it a lot more.”