World Cup qualification for European nations drew to a dramatic close on Tuesday night, and while the headlines across the continent focused on shocks, comebacks and last-gasp goals, Leeds United supporters had a compelling storyline of their own to follow. Three players who wear the white shirt week in and week out — Dan James, Joe Rodon and Karl Darlow — all played their part in helping Wales secure a coveted place in the play-offs, keeping their hopes of reaching the 2026 World Cup alive.
This international break didn’t just offer Wales an opportunity to progress; it offered a window into the growing influence of Leeds United players on the international stage. For a club still trying to cement its footing back in the Premier League after returning last season, seeing its players performing confidently, decisively and consistently for their nations is a powerful sign of progress.
Wales’ Mission: Two Wins or Bust
Craig Bellamy, still early in his managerial journey at the top international level, knew exactly what was required heading into November: nothing less than back-to-back wins would keep Wales alive. The challenge was as psychological as it was tactical. Liechtenstein away is the sort of fixture that has tripped up bigger nations before — the type of match where concentration can drift, where the opposition sits deep, where frustration grows.
But Wales handled it. The 1-0 victory wasn’t glamorous, but it was professional. It was the kind of win that seasoned international sides grind out when it matters. Leeds goalkeeper Karl Darlow wasn’t overly troubled but brought composure to the back line. Joe Rodon was authoritative as ever. Dan James provided width and pace in transition. Three Leeds players, three solid contributions.
But the match came with a sting: midfield leader Ethan Ampadu picked up a suspension after collecting another yellow card. With Macedonia to come, losing the heartbeat of the midfield was far from ideal. Ampadu, a player who thrives under pressure and often sets the tempo for Wales, would be watching from the stands.
This could have derailed Wales.
Instead, it ignited them.
Wales 7–1 North Macedonia: A Night of Fire and Fury
Few could have predicted what unfolded in Cardiff. The Welsh team didn’t just win — they dismantled North Macedonia with a level of confidence rarely seen since their Euro 2016 breakthrough.
Seven goals.
One conceded.
A statement heard across Europe.
Leeds United target Harry Wilson produced a performance that will be remembered by Wales fans for years. A clinical hat-trick — each goal showcasing intelligence, movement and finishing quality — was the headline-grabber. But it wasn’t just the goals. Wilson was everywhere, linking play, cutting inside, drifting intelligently between lines.
Leeds winger Dan James, having already enjoyed a strong club season, added a well-taken goal and danced through Macedonia’s defence all night with his trademark acceleration. It highlighted once again how devastating he can be in space and how important he is for both club and country when he plays with confidence.
Behind them, Karl Darlow and Joe Rodon had little to do for long stretches but remained composed. They were involved in the one defensive lapse that allowed Macedonia a goal, but it was hardly a blemish on a night dominated by attacking brilliance.
This victory didn’t just secure Wales a play-off place; it revitalised belief. It reminded fans, pundits and opposing nations that Wales — even without Gareth Bale — possess the courage, intensity and goalscoring punch to trouble anyone.
Joe Rodon: The Fastest Player in Europe’s World Cup Qualifiers
Amid all the goals and celebrations, the most surprising storyline of the entire qualifying campaign came from a statistic that few saw coming.
Across every single player who participated in Europe’s World Cup qualification matches, Joe Rodon recorded the fastest top speed of all — joint-first with Brentford’s explosive attacker Kevin Schade.
A centre-back.
The quickest player in Europe’s qualifiers.
It’s the sort of revelation that forces coaches, analysts and scouts to take notice.
Rodon’s pace has always been a quiet asset — overshadowed by his positioning, timing in the tackle, and calmness on the ball — but now it’s undeniable. Even Dom Matteo, the respected former Leeds defender, said recently that Rodon’s recovery pace is what makes him elite: he can get himself out of situations most centre-backs wouldn’t survive.
This isn’t just trivia.
This is a testament to Rodon’s evolution.
He has built his game around athleticism, awareness and discipline. Combine that with the confidence he has rediscovered at Leeds, and you get a defender who is starting to look ready for the biggest stages of world football.
Rodon’s Journey: From Tottenham’s Shadows to Leeds’ Defensive General
Joe Rodon’s story is one of perseverance. At Tottenham, he was caught in a cycle so many young Premier League defenders fall into: not trusted enough to play consistently, not untrusted enough to be loaned with purpose. Stagnation followed. Confidence ebbed. Momentum evaporated.
Then came Leeds United — first on loan, then permanently — and his career began to breathe again.
Promotion last season was essential. For the first time in years, Rodon entered a Premier League season not as a squad filler but as a starting centre-back, the man Leeds trusted to organise their defence. And he has delivered.
Every minute of Leeds’ 11 Premier League games: played
Aerial duels: dominant
Reading of the game: sharp
Leadership: growing visibly each week
Rodon said in the summer that he had a point to prove.
Now he has proven he belongs.
Many Leeds fans argue he has been the club’s most consistent performer this season — even more than the highly regarded summer arrival Sean Longstaff. Rodon looks like a defender playing with conviction, comfort and real belief in his own ability.
And that resurgence is resonating with Wales too. Ethan Ampadu recently stated that Rodon is “finally showing what he can really do,” and he’s absolutely right.
This is the best version of Joe Rodon we’ve ever seen.
And Europe is starting to feel the tremors.
Leeds United’s Dilemma: Keep Rodon or Risk Losing a Star
Rodon’s rise is a gift and a curse for Leeds.
On one hand, they have a Premier League-calibre centre-back at the peak of his powers — and one who is improving rapidly. On the other, his performances are likely to spark interest from clubs with deeper pockets, bigger squads and European ambitions.
With the World Cup approaching next year, Rodon is heading into a period where his value could skyrocket.
A commanding qualifying campaign?
Check.
A starring play-off run?
Possible.
A strong World Cup performance?
Very possible.
A high-profile transfer move?
Almost guaranteed if Leeds falter.
This is why Leeds United face a stark and unavoidable truth:
If Leeds are relegated, Joe Rodon will not stay.
Not because he lacks loyalty.
Not because he wants to leave.
But because he has played himself into a level where Premier League football is the minimum requirement.
Relegation would trigger interest from clubs that could offer him:
Top-flight stability
European competitions
Bigger wages
A larger international platform
Leeds would be unable to compete.
The only way Leeds can retain Rodon long-term is simple:
Stay in the Premier League.
Avoid relegation, and Rodon becomes the centrepiece of Leeds’ next chapter.
Drop down again, and Leeds supporters may look back at this season knowing that one of the best defenders to wear the white shirt in recent years slipped away because of circumstance.