Wales will be 'stronger' after defeat as Dragons are likened to Euro 2016 side

This was the triumphant cry from talkSPORT's Adrian Durham as Wales, a nation he has more than a soft spot for, advanced to the last-16 of Euro 2020.

They were beaten 1-0 by Italy on Sunday but sealed second spot in Group A as they finished above Switzerland on goal difference.

The European run will have Wales fans dreaming of a similar adventure to what they experienced at Euro 2016, which saw them reach the semi-finals.

Former Welsh international Dean Saunders is very optimistic about the team as he heaped huge praise on Rob Page, who has stood in for manager Ryan Giggs this summer.

Saunders also explained how the defeat in Rome will make Wales stronger as a group.

"The players we had in 2016 like Sam Vokes, Hal Robson-Kanu, James Collins, Ashley Williams, Neil Taylor, Joe Ledley - they've all gone," Saunders told talkSPORT.

"Ryan Giggs has decided to change the whole lot but he's kept Gareth Bale, Aaron Ramsey and Joe Allen and he's added youngsters to the group. Page has taken over, you have to say it's a difficult job as assistant to step up but everything he's done so far has been right.

"He's got us through to the latter stages now and the players' spirit is even stronger now after that result, even though we've lost.

"They've proved that they can all dig in together and we've got over the line, just!"