Southend United | International News
Southend United Duo Joe Duncan and Dan Cox Named in Wales U21 Squad
Joe Duncan and Dan Cox have earned international recognition after the Southend United pair were selected in Wales’ 23-player Under-21 squad for their final two UEFA U21 EURO 2027 qualifiers.
Two Shrimpers are heading onto the international stage. Goalkeeper Joe Duncan and defender Dan Cox have both been selected by Wales Under-21 head coach Matty Jones for the upcoming qualifiers against Belgium and Austria.
The call-ups provide international recognition for two players who have already played important roles in Southend United’s encouraging start to the 2026/27 National League campaign.
Duncan and Cox get the Wales call
Duncan and Cox are part of the 23-player Wales squad selected for the final two matches of their UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifying campaign.
Wales first travel to Westerlo to face Belgium on Tuesday 29 September, with kick-off at 7pm BST.
Seven days later they return home to face Austria at The Oval in Caernarfon on Tuesday 6 October, kicking off at 5:30pm.
The Austria fixture will also see The Oval host a Wales Under-21 international for the first time.
Two Shrimpers rewarded
Duncan has established himself as Kieron Dyer’s first-choice goalkeeper during the opening weeks of the National League campaign.
One of his standout early moments came away at Solihull Moors, where Duncan saved a penalty before The Shrimpers went on to record a 3-1 victory.
Cox has added another young defensive option to Dyer’s squad following his arrival at Roots Hall from Derby County’s Under-21 setup.
The defender returned to the starting XI for Southend’s 3-1 victory over Tamworth, helping The Shrimpers collect another three points at Roots Hall.
International recognition during a strong Southend start
The call-ups arrive with Southend sitting third in the National League following the opening eight matches of the campaign.
The Shrimpers have collected 17 points from a possible 24, winning five, drawing two and losing just once.
Southend have scored 17 goals and conceded 11 during that run, while their away record remains unbeaten after four matches on the road.
Duncan has been a regular presence behind the Southend defence, while Cox has featured among Dyer’s defensive options during the club’s impressive opening weeks.
Having two players from the current Southend squad selected together for international duty provides another notable moment in the early months of Dyer’s reign.
Which Southend matches will Duncan and Cox miss?
The international call-ups also leave Southend facing the prospect of being without both players for National League fixtures during the international window.
Wales face Belgium on 29 September before meeting Austria on 6 October, while Southend’s domestic schedule continues between those two internationals.
The first Wales qualifier takes place only 24 hours before Southend travel to Eastleigh. If Duncan and Cox remain with the international squad as expected, neither would be available for The Shrimpers at the Silverlake Stadium.
Wales then prepare for their second qualifier against Austria on 6 October, which means the pair are also expected to be away when AFC Fylde visit Roots Hall on Saturday 3 October.
Southend host Barrow on Saturday 26 September, three days before the Belgium fixture. The timing of Duncan and Cox’s release for international duty will determine whether that match is affected, so it should not yet be considered a confirmed absence.
What does it mean for Southend?
The most obvious issue for Kieron Dyer comes between the posts. Duncan has established himself as Southend’s first-choice goalkeeper, so his international absence would require The Shrimpers to make a change in goal.
Cox’s absence would also remove one of the defensive options available to Dyer during a busy period of National League football.
But there is a considerable positive behind the disruption. Two young players representing their country while playing their club football at Roots Hall reflects well on the progress both are making with Southend.
It also gives other members of the squad an opportunity to step into the side during the international window.
Wales U21 squad for Belgium and Austria
Wales Under-21 head coach Matty Jones has named the following 23-player squad for the final two UEFA U21 EURO 2027 qualifiers.
Joe Duncan — Southend United (on loan from Bristol City)
Logan Stretch — Buxton (on loan from Sheffield Wednesday)
Luke Armstrong — Raith Rovers (on loan from Cardiff City)
Alex Williams — Hibernian (on loan from West Bromwich Albion)
Archie Harris — Wigan Athletic
Calum Aguis — Crewe Alexandra
Charlie Crew — Walsall (on loan from Leeds United)
Charlie Stevens — Bournemouth
Dakarai Mafico — Cardiff City
Dan Cox — Southend United
Ed James — Exeter City
Gabriele Biancheri — Wacker Innsbruck
George Nevett — Tranmere Rovers (on loan from Peterborough United)
Joel Cotterill — St Johnstone
Jonathan Bland — Barnsley
Kai Andrews — Oxford United (on loan from Coventry City)
Leon Scarlett — Queens Park Rangers
Noah Anyadike — Cardiff City
Ollie Bostock — West Bromwich Albion
Reece Munro — Manchester United
Robert Tankiewicz — Cardiff City
Ronan Kpakio — Cardiff City
Tanatswa Nyakuhwa — Newport County (on loan from Cardiff City)
Final qualifiers for Wales U21
The double-header brings Wales’ UEFA U21 EURO 2027 qualifying campaign to a close and provides Duncan and Cox with another opportunity to gain international experience alongside their senior club football.
For Southend supporters, attention will also turn to how Dyer reshapes his side during their absence, with the Eastleigh and AFC Fylde matches falling directly between the two Wales fixtures.
The Shrimpers-online will follow both players during the international window before their expected return to Southend ahead of the National League trip to Boston United on Saturday 10 October.
Belgium U21 v Wales U21 — Tuesday 29 September, 7pm BST.
Wales U21 v Austria U21 — Tuesday 6 October, 5:30pm.
Southend play Eastleigh away on 30 September and AFC Fylde at Roots Hall
on 3 October during the international period.
