Football
ESPN staff 8y

Everton's Ashley Williams eyeing Champions League, World Cup chance

After leading Wales to an improbable semifinals run at Euro 2016 this summer, Ashley Williams has targeted further experiences at the top of the sport.

The 31-year-old defender captained the side that qualified for the country's first major tournament since 1958, and said the experience has changed the way he looks at football now.

"I do look at football a little differently now having gone to the tournament and having gone so deep into it," Williams told the Telegraph. "Seeing players and what it is like at the highest level -- you can't go much further other than a World Cup or a Champions League. I want to be on the stage again at some point.

"Now I have tasted that and I'm not 21 so, if I can, in the last part of my career I would like to sample that kind of atmosphere again. It was unbelievable. What we achieved will never be the same again even if we qualify for the World Cup because it was the first time. We were really proud of that."

Wales ultimately fell to Portugal in France, but Williams wouldn't let his team stay down after a difficult defeat, gathering the team afterward to tell them: "Let's not get down about it. We came here together with our heads up. We have done our job, done enough.

"Let's enjoy this, go home and concentrate and try and qualify for the next one. Don't be too down because we have achieved something that no one thought we would," he recounted

Despite his rousing speech, reality hit the team soon after, rendering Williams unable to stomach watching most the final game between France and Portugal.

"I didn't watch all of the final. I watched the second half and extra time," he said. "It was weird because I was so happy with how far we got and we were one game away from the final. And yet you are seeing the team that beat you win it.

"When I look back I think it was brilliant but there is still a tiny little part of you that thinks maybe we could have got to the final or won it. I don't think it is a silly thing to say we could have won it -- if we had played a bit better in the semi or had Aaron Ramsey in there, he would have made a big difference. All these ifs and buts. We saw Portugal lift it so why couldn't we?

"I was at home and I was going on holiday the next day and then my friend scored the winner -- Eder, who used to be at Swansea. I was happy for him. Then it felt like you were far away from the tournament, it was like watching a tournament in the same way I have done all my life. It was like I wasn't just in it a few days ago. It was quite strange."

Williams left Swansea City to join new boss Ronald Koeman at Everton earlier this month, ending his eight-year association with the Swans.

"I'd had great years at Swansea but I just felt I needed to change my scenery a little bit," he said of the move. "I wasn't really thinking about Everton but when I stopped and thought about it, I thought it was a club going in the right direction with a great manager, maybe it's the time for a new challenge and to jump on board.

"They've always been a massive club. I don't see why we can't have a positive campaign. I thought he [Koeman] did a great job at Southampton. He played my position and was one of the best in the world. I thought his knowledge of the game would help me.

"When he comes into the room you know he's there without him having to say anything. Training has been different to what I'm used to. It's very intense and makes you think a lot. It's more intense than I've been used to, but the sessions are good because they keep you on your toes."

Williams, who turns 32 next Tuesday, has had his age questioned as he transitions to Merseyside. However he says with age, has come plenty of experience.

"I feel as I have got older, I have got better," he said. "I am confident on the pitch and the knowledge of the game. I don't wish I had moved before.

"It's a position where you can get by with experience and knowledge and not rely on physicality as much. The way I've done it makes me appreciate the level I'm at."

Williams will make his Toffees debut against West Brom, the club that parted ways with him as a 16-year-old.

"Looking back I probably would have released myself as well. I wasn't pulling up any trees at that time," he concluded. "I wouldn't mind watching a game from back then now. I think my football upbringing makes me appreciate where I am at, at each stage."

^ Back to Top ^