Ashley Williams says Wales can have no excuses at Euro 2016

By Rory O'Callaghan

Image: Ashley Williams has been impressed with Wales preparations for Euro 2016

Wales captain Ashley Williams says his side will have no excuses to fall back on if they fail to impress at the European Championship in France this summer.

Williams, along with the rest of the Wales squad, has been preparing for the upcoming tournament on a five-day training camp at the Vale do Lobo complex in Portugal.

The complex, previously used by England and Manchester United, is considered one of Europe's premier training facilities.

And Williams admits his side can have no excuses if they fail to perform in France this summer. 

"I don't really know who planned it, but it was unbelievable," said Williams, who is preparing to lead his country out in what is their first appearance at a major tournament since the 1958 World Cup.

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"The place they took us to, the apartments we stayed in and the way we worked, all the attention to detail was a step up.

Image: Williams is preparing to lead his country out for their first major tournament appearance in 58 years

"It was good before, but from the meetings we have had there will be no excuses now. We can't say, 'Oh, we didn't have this or we didn't have that'. Everything was taken care of.

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"I have been on enough trips where you are moaning about every little thing, but when everything is taken care of you can relax in your downtime.

"It means you can perform a little bit better on the training pitch and gives you the best opportunity of doing well. Now we can just concentrate on playing football - and that is the way you want it."

Image: Wales manager Chris Coleman is set to name his final 23-man squad on Tuesday

Wales face Sweden in their final warm-up match on June 5 before kicking-off their Euros campaign against Slovakia in Bordeaux on June 11.

England-born Williams, who qualifies for Wales through his grandfather, says he will attempt to keep his emotions in check when he leads his side out next month.

"I've thought about it but, to be honest, I try not to get too caught up in any of that," he said. "It is going to happen but that is why we are the professionals, we have to get the job done.

"There is no point being too emotional either way because then you can't perform to your best.

Image: Wales midfielder Joe Ledley is a doubt for the Euros

"I think the whole Euros will be something you can't really enjoy as players until after the occasion, because we have a job to do.

"It's probably when you look back you will think that is brilliant, however it goes."

Chris Coleman is yet to name his final 23-man squad for the tournament and is waiting on the fitness of Crystal Palace's Joe Ledley, who fractured his leg against Stoke in May.

However, one player expected to be on the plane to France is Gareth Bale, who revealed that he had only suffered cramp following Real Madrid's Champions League victory over Atletico on Saturday.

Image: Bale suffered only cramp following Real Madrid's Champions League triumph

"He is a player who has always been there when we have needed him," said Williams.

"We are going to need him through this tournament definitely, it is on the world stage and everyone will be watching.

"His experience will be valuable in and around the dressing room. He has the most experience of all of us of big occasions, and he normally he doesn't let us down."

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