FIVE years on from energising and thrilling an entire nation, Wales are back at the European Championship after the most turbulent of times.

Wales left an indelible mark on Euro 2016 in France, reaching the semi-finals under the charismatic Chris Coleman as Gareth Bale, Aaron Ramsey and company lit up the competition.

Dubbed ‘The Red Wall’ by the players, fans were just happy to be at a major tournament after 58 years of hurt since Wales’ only previous finals appearance at the 1958 World Cup.

The vocal support was over 30,000 strong and their bonhomie and good behaviour won them an ‘outstanding contribution’ award from UEFA.

After a global pandemic you do not have to look far to see how things have changed as Wales fans arrive in Baku for their matches against Switzerland and Turkey.

Most of the bricks in ‘The Red Wall’ will be missing amid covid’s travel restrictions - meaning that many fans will be watching their heroes from their own homes or in their local pubs.

With social distancing still in place, tables are limited at pubs in Wrexham and Flintshire and many first choice venues are already booked up for the opening games this weekend.

Here are some of the pubs showing the games:

The Turf, Wrexham

Situated in the shadow of The Racecourse, The Turf is the hottest ticket in town for Wales' opening games in the Euros.

The Turf is renowned for its passionate atmosphere when Wales play.

As of June, the opening game against Switzerland was fully booked and there were just a few tables available for the Turkey and Italy matches.

Saith Seren, Wrexham

As the Welsh centre in Wrexham where Welsh speakers, learners and supporters of the language and culture. Saith Seren is guaranteed to be the first choice of Wales fans. Having show Wales friendly games, Saith Seren is fully booked for the group stage games. Should Wales progress it is advisable to book early for those matches.

Red Lion, Penyffordd

The Red Lion earned a reputation as a real community pub during the pandemic, which has been rewarded with people wanting to watch the football there.

Site manager Steve Saxon said: "We have showed the friendlies and there has bee a good atmosphere. It's come at the right time for pubs really."

He added that the pub is popular with both Wales and England fans. All tables are booked for the weekend matches but, if the home nations progress, there will be availability.

The Fat Boar, Mold and Wrexham

The Fat Boar pubs in Wrexham and Mold have tables inside and out, and have been some of the busiest gastro pubs since lockdown measures were eased.

The pubs will be showing the tables and there are spaces available.

Hill St Wxm

The sports bar is a great venue to watch football with a beer and a burger.

The bar will be showing all the Euros Games live, and unsurprisingly all the Wales games are fully booked.

However, there is availability for the other games in the tournament.

The Griffin, Mold

The Griffin is regarded as one of the best sports bars in Wrexham. Tables inside for the Wales matches at the weekend are fully booked, but there is a television in the beer garden where there are a small number of tables available.