“We were one kick away from the Euros”. That was Rob Page’s line after Wales lost to Poland on penalties in their final play-off, denying them a spot in the European Championships in Germany.

When Dan James’ fateful spot-kick was saved by former Arsenal stopper Wojciech Szczęsny, the first emotions were disappointment, despair and frustration.

“I’m absolutely gutted for them,” said Page post-match.

“It’s a horrible way to go out, it’s a cruel game and I’m really disappointed but I couldn’t be more proud of them, the journey they’re on and hopefully we’ll learn from going through the horrible experiences tonight.”

For the first 52 years of the European Championships, Wales could only dream of reaching that stage, now it is expected.

Wales went into their play-off final at a fervent Cardiff City Stadium expecting to reach a third consecutive Euros and a fourth major tournament from the last five when you include the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Of course, Wales have benefitted from an expanded 24 team Euros competition, but we have also been blessed with a golden generation of footballers.

Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey are almost shoe-ins to any Wales all-time XI and it would be brave to argue there shouldn’t be a place for Ben Davies, while Ethan Ampadu’s ridiculous tally of 51 caps by the age of 23 seems it almost inevitable that he will be considered right up there with the best at some stage, if not already.

However, following the retirements of Bale, Chris Gunter, Joe Allen and Jonny Williams, while Ramsey didn’t feature in either play-off due to injury, Wales were missing 411 caps against Poland, leading Page to label this “a side in transition”.

Ampadu is still young, but his midfield partner for much of this campaign – Jordan James – is only 19, while Neco Williams turns 23 and Brennan Johnson is only 22.

Page said after his side’s heartbreaking defeat: “Jordan James will have learnt a lot from that experience, he’ll be another Ethan Ampadu with 50 caps by the time he’s 23 no doubt.

“The age of the group is different to what we’ve had before, they’re a hungry group and really disappointed which says a lot about how far we’ve come.

“I know I’ve got a good group of players and we’re going on the right path, there’s younger players to be introduced into this group as well so that’s my next aim.

“With the games in June, we can use it to introduce some of the younger players and build on what we have here. We’re a good group and we’re going places.”

So who are the younger players?

Rubin Colwill jumps to mind, included in the wider 28-man squad but not on the bench against Poland, Charlie Savage another who showed his promise against Gibraltar. Luke Harris is highly thought of by Page and of course there’s Liverpool’s Lewis Koumas too.

But that is not to say Wales need to make sweeping changes. Moore was Wales’ oldest player against Poland at 31 followed by Ben Davies 30.

Both could make the Euros in four years’ time, Mepham and Rodon at 26 could make the next two.

If this is the low point from which Wales will build, then it’s not half bad.

Wales were meant to be a one-man team, without Gareth Bale we were nothing, or so they said.

Wales arguably possess more attacking options now than they ever have, Moore, Dan James, Johnson, Harry Wilson, David Brooks and Nathan Broadhead have all been in superb form domestically, while Liam Cullen has consistently scored crucial goals for Swansea.

“I’ve learnt lessons from the first game in Croatia in March if we get our values with and without the ball, then we’re a force to be reckoned with,” said Page.

So what of Rob Page?

Earlier in the campaign he came under significant pressure, particularly after the 4-2 home loss against Armenia and 2-0 defeat in Turkey.

Back then, there were those calling for Rob Page’s removal and rumours of clandestine meetings between FAW Chief Executive Noel Mooney and potential suitors for the role, rumours Mooney denied, but it has been a difficult period for the Wales manager.

Some have pointed to the current availability of Pontypridd born Steve Cooper and the possibility of bringing in the former Swansea manager in Page’s place.

Of course, there needs to be a review of what went right and what went wrong, but there is absolutely no doubt that this is a group of players who give their heart and soul for their manager.

Speaking on Sgorio after the match, ex-Wales midfielder Allen said: “The two things you have to look for is, are the players supportive of the manager? That’s very evident. Does the future look bright and is the team improving? That is also evident.”

“Page deserves the chance to carry on and the chance to prove himself again.”

There is no sign Page will step down and with almost two and a half years left on his contract it will force Mooney and co. to remove him from post.

If they do that, they may risk a revolt from the players, who’s appetite and Calon – Heart for playing for Page seems only surpassed by their love of the red shirt.

Speaking after the match, Page was already trying to turn his focus to the next qualifying campaign and the 2026 World Cup in North America.

“We’ve got games in June, Nations League in Autumn and then we’re into the start of the World Cup qualifying campaign,” said Page.

“My full focus is on building on what we’ve already started and the transition in this moment in time. I’ve got a great relationship with Dave Adams the technical director at the FAW, we’ve had our issues in the past, it’s well documented but we’re fine.

“I think the board and chief Executive see the journey we’re on, from retirement of senior players I think they see the work we’re doing, and the supporters do too. They are incredible, and I think they can see the effort the boys put in and the pride we should have as a nation for those players.

This team is going somewhere, they’re so disappointed that they haven’t qualified tonight. They’re hungry for it, there’s a lot more to come and there are plenty more good times ahead.”