Dean Saunders offered his thoughts on the recent emergence of footage showing Leeds United attacker Dan James after Wales’ defeat to Poland in their EURO 2024 qualifying match, where the match proceeded to penalties and James missed the crucial spot kick leading to Wales’ elimination.

Expressing empathy for James without pointing fingers, Saunders acknowledged the tough situation the player now finds himself in and remarked that it will be a difficult reality for him to face.

In a recent interview on talkSPORT, Saunders sympathetically commented, “Poor Dan James. He’s gonna have to wake up to this. What a shame. What a good lad he is, James.”

Undoubtedly, the penalty miss that contributed to Wales’ elimination will be a bitter pill for James to swallow, potentially haunting him for the foreseeable future given the significance of the moment.

Nevertheless, amidst this disappointment, James can draw strength from the unwavering support of both Wales and Leeds fans. Despite this setback, he remains a talented player with a bright future ahead.

Wales supporters are expected to stand by James, recognizing that setbacks are an inherent part of the sport, while Leeds fans will also back him, acknowledging his potential to come back stronger and make positive contributions to the team.

In the aftermath of this disappointment, the key for James will be to accept the setback, but not linger on it. Instead, he should redirect his focus towards his performances for Leeds, aiming to excel on the field and showcase his skills and dedication.