Wales midfielder Jordan James has declared that his side will approach Thursday's Nations League A opener against Portugal in Lisbon without intimidation, despite facing what he openly acknowledges is one of the most talent-laden squads in world football.
Wales return to the top tier of the Nations League this year after topping their League B group in 2024, but they do so under difficult circumstances. The squad has already been weakened by the absences of Joe Rodon and Dylan Lawlor, and things have worsened in the buildup to the Portugal clash with Karl Darlow, Nathan Broadhead and key attacking figure Harry Wilson all pulling out.
Standing in their way is a Portugal side stacked with elite talent from across Europe's top leagues. Manager Roberto Martinez can call upon defensive stalwart Ruben Dias, full-backs Joao Cancelo and Nuno Mendes, and a formidable midfield trio in Vitinha, Joao Neves and captain Bruno Fernandes. Adding to the occasion is the continued presence of Cristiano Ronaldo, who at 41 remains a central figure for the Portuguese national team.
Despite the gulf in individual star power, James, who plays his club football for Wolverhampton Wanderers, was adamant that Wales would not be cowed by the occasion or the opposition's reputation.
"Obviously they're the best players in the world at the end of the day, you can't really sugarcoat it," James said, acknowledging the scale of the challenge facing his side. Yet his message to teammates and supporters alike was one of defiance rather than resignation, insisting there would be "no fear" when the sides meet in the Portuguese capital.
The fixture represents a significant step up in class for Wales, who are looking to build momentum after securing promotion back to League A. It also comes at a moment when the squad is searching for its first victory since a World Cup qualifying win over North Macedonia last November, a result that already feels distant given the accumulation of injury and availability problems since.
The timing of the withdrawals could hardly be worse for a Wales side already light on depth in certain areas. Losing Wilson, in particular, removes one of the team's most creative and experienced attacking outlets just as they prepare to face a Portugal defense marshaled by Dias and supported by two of Europe's most dynamic full-backs in Cancelo and Mendes.
Nevertheless, there is a sense that Wales will look to use the occasion as an opportunity rather than simply an obstacle to survive. Facing a Portugal side that reached the knockout stages of Euro 2024 and boasts individual quality throughout the pitch will test the resolve of a Welsh squad forced into reshuffling due to the late absences.
For James and his teammates, the challenge now is to translate that stated lack of fear into a competitive performance against opponents who, on paper, hold a significant advantage in quality and depth. How Wales respond to the occasion in Lisbon will set the tone for what promises to be a demanding return to the top level of the Nations League.
Attention will also inevitably focus on Ronaldo, whose enduring presence in the national side at 41 continues to be a source of fascination regardless of the opponent. For Wales, containing him and his supporting cast will be central to any hopes of an unlikely result away from home.
Based on reporting from BBC Sport Football.