Chris Coleman: Wales Euro 2016 places up for grabs, says manager

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Emyr Huws and Tom LawrenceImage source, Huw Evans picture agency
Image caption,

Emyr Huws scored Wales' second goal against Netherlands after coming on to win his fifth cap

Wales manager Chris Coleman says there are plenty of places to be won in his squad for Euro 2016 following defeat in their first warm-up match.

Wales lost 3-2 to the Netherlands at Cardiff City Stadium as they began their preparations for next summer.

Coleman will have a 23-man squad in France but is as yet unsure as to how many are guaranteed their spots.

"There's a certain amount of players, injury free, that will be coming," he said.

"But there will be places up for grabs that will depend on form and fitness.

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"A lot can happen between now and then. It's a long time. We'll have a friendly in March and one or two before we go to France."

Wales were without high profile stars Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey for the friendly against the Dutch in Cardiff.

Media caption,

Wales learnt a lot despite Dutch defeat - Ashley Williams

Coleman made six changes to the team that had beaten Andorra 2-0 in their final Euro 2016 qualifier in October.

Striker Tom Lawrence was handed a first start while goalkeeper Owain Fon Williams and defender Adam Henley came on as second half substitutes to win their first caps.

Coleman was pleased by the performance of youngsters such as 21-year-old Lawrence, George Williams, 20, and goalscorer 22-year-old Emyr Huws.

"It's good for them to get minutes because we're building towards France," Coleman added.

"We're building towards something now. It's great what we've done, I'm as proud as anybody, but it's behind us.

"We'll be judged on what's coming, not what's been."

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