Leeds United goalkeeper Karl Darlow has said it would “mean everything” to represent Wales at this summer’s World Cup.
The England-born stopper pledged his international allegiance to Wales in 2024, having previously turned down approaches from the country of his grandfather’s birth.
He has since established himself as their first-choice goalkeeper, starring alongside club teammates Joe Rodon, Ethan Ampadu and Daniel James.
Wales will face Bosnia and Herzegovina in a play-off semi-final on Thursday (March 26) and a victory would put Craig Bellamy’s men just one game away from World Cup qualification.
Leeds United goalkeeper Karl Darlow has linked up with Wales for international duty.placeholder image
Leeds United goalkeeper Karl Darlow has linked up with Wales for international duty. | Nick Potts/PA Wire
They will face either Italy or Northern Ireland in the play-off final on March 31 if they can get through the semi-final stage.
Karl Darlow’s World Cup dream
Addressing the media after joining the Wales camp, Darlow said: "On a personal note, it would mean everything to me. I know a lot of lads have got experience of being at World Cups and I think that breeds confidence as well throughout the group.
"And for myself, it's just adding my part to that and hoping that I can help us achieve the goal of getting to the World Cup."
Karl Darlow kept a clean sheet at the weekend as Leeds United drew 0-0 with Brentford.placeholder image
Karl Darlow kept a clean sheet at the weekend as Leeds United drew 0-0 with Brentford. | Matt McNulty/Getty Images
Becoming Leeds United’s number one
Darlow had to act as an understudy for the entirety of his first season at Elland Road after joining from Newcastle United in the summer of 2023.
He eventually dislodged Illan Meslier in the 2024/25 season run-in, helping to push Leeds over the line in the Championship promotion race.
The 35-year-old saw Lucas Perri arrive as the new number one last summer but the Brazilian has also been moved aside by Darlow.
He has kept clean sheets in each of his last two Premier League appearances, keeping Crystal Palace and Brentford at bay in goalless draws.
He said: "I think definitely the way that I'm playing for my club at the minute, there is definitely parts of that game that have come from what I have learnt with my country.
"Playing club football regularly is really going to help me in terms of being in a rhythm, and coming into this camp, hopefully it stands me in good stead."