Wales boss expects Williams recovery

Wales boss Chris Coleman is confident captain Ashley Williams will be fit to face Belgium in the quarter-finals of Euro 2016.

The Swansea defender injured his shoulder when colliding with his namesake Jonathan in Saturday’s last-16 win over Northern Ireland but soldiered on to see out the 1-0 victory.

Williams was reported to have suffered a dislocated shoulder in the incident, an issue that would have almost certainly ruled him out of the remainder of the tournament.

However, Coleman is confident the 31-year-old will be fit to face the Red Devils, a team the Welsh took four points off during qualifying. Belgium are the clear favourites to win in Lille but may well be worried about their chances of breaking down a defence that was expertly marshalled by Williams in their two most recent meetings.

Coleman admits his skipper was left shaken by his fall but says he fully expects the defender to lead his country out on Friday. “We think it was when he fell after he collided with Jonny (Williams),” said Coleman. “He landed on his hand with a straight arm which was a bit of an impact on his shoulder. “He’s a bit bruised and sore but he’ll be fine and we’ll get him on the grass as soon as we can. “It probably won’t be for the next day or two but he is not a worry or a doubt and I would be surprised if he doesn’t make the game.”

Wales are currently 6.00 to win in Lille, with the draw 3.50 and the Belgians are 1.70.