AliousTom Lawrence is eager to make an impact in Wales’ World Cup campaign after previously believing his international career had come to an end due to a rift with former manager Rob Page.
The Rangers forward has not represented Wales since a friendly victory over Mexico in March 2021. His prolonged absence raised questions, with ex-Derby County manager Wayne Rooney hinting that personal history between Lawrence and Page might have played a role in his exclusion. However, with Craig Bellamy now at the helm, the 31-year-old has earned a recall as Wales prepare for crucial qualifiers against Kazakhstan and North Macedonia.
Reflecting on his time out of the squad, Lawrence admitted that his future with Wales had been uncertain under Page. “It all depended on who was in charge,” he explained. “He had his own way of doing things, and I wasn’t part of that. Why? You’d have to ask him.”
Lawrence attempted to get clarity on his omission but was left without answers. “I asked the question, and he couldn’t give me one. I’m a straightforward person—if someone isn’t honest with me, I lose respect for them. There were things we didn’t agree on, and that was that.”
Despite missing out on major tournaments, including Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup, Lawrence insists he has no regrets. “I did everything I could while I was in camp. He made his decision, not me,” he said, referring to Page’s choice to leave him out before Euro 2020. Additionally, Lawrence was ruled out of Wales’ historic run to the Euro 2016 semi-finals after suffering an ankle injury in the build-up to the tournament.
Now, however, the Wrexham-born forward is in a strong position. Fresh off his international recall, he played a key role in Rangers’ recent success, netting the decisive penalty in a Europa League win over Fenerbahce before contributing off the bench in a dramatic 3-2 Old Firm victory against Celtic.
Reflecting on his return to the national team, Lawrence said, “It’s been a good week—Europa League quarter-finals next against Bilbao and a big win over Celtic. It doesn’t feel like I’ve been away that long. When you come back, everyone is together, and it feels great.”
The squad has changed since his last call-up, with younger faces, a new coaching staff, and a different tactical approach. “I’ve got a few more grey hairs now,” he joked. “I’ve been following the team, and they’ve been fantastic. Now it’s about adjusting to what the manager wants and how the team plays.”
At 31, Lawrence brings experience from high-stakes matches with Rangers, which he hopes will benefit the national team. “I’ve played in a lot of big games, and that can only help me here. Hopefully, I can contribute.”
Wales enter this international window in strong form, having topped their Nations League group in the autumn and remaining unbeaten in Bellamy’s six matches in charge. Their campaign resumes with a home fixture against Kazakhstan on Saturday, followed by a trip to face North Macedonia three days later.
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