KEVIN RATCLIFFE believes the current Wales squad is stronger than the group of players that reached the 2016 European Championship semi-finals.

The Dragons secured their place in a major tournament finals for the first in 58 years when they qualified for the Euros.

Chris Coleman's side exceeded all expectations in France as they made the last four where Portugal ended the dream run in the competition.

While the likes of Gareth Bale and Joe Allen are still playing for their country, young stars such as Ethan Ampadu and Joe Rodon have burst on the scene and helped Wales clinch promotion to the Nations League top flight last year.

Wales begin their 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign with matches against Belgium and Czech Republic, and former international Ratcliffe has high hopes.

"We have got good players," said Ratcliffe.

"We have got a good squad of players and most probably as strong as it was before but maybe not developed as the 2016 squad.

"But it is there to see that we have got it in abundance as well, it is in depth.

"Good things are going to happen; like the group of 2016, it took a little bit of time but we knew that group was going to be the best group.

"I think this group that we have got now can challenge it.

"Gareth is getting back to his form, hopefully they start well and take it from there."

Rob Page will again take charge for tomorrow's opening game in Belgium as well as next Tuesday's home game with the Czech Republic on March 30 as Ryan Giggs remains under investigation due to an allegation of assault.

With FA of Wales chief executive Jonathan Ford officially leaving his position at the end of the month, Ratcliffe senses negative vibes coming from the governing body at a time when Wales are in a strong position on the pitch heading into the qualifiers for Qatar 2022

"I don't understand it. We have not got a manager really and we have not got a CEO," said Ratcliffe.

"It is completely at the wrong time with the World Cup qualifiers coming up and then the European Championships in the summer.

"It just seems to be up in arms at the moment.

"I always like good vibes coming out of camps like the vibe that is coming out of Wrexham.

"Every year at Swansea it has been a negative vibe at the football club but this is the first year it has been positive and that has been shown with the results on the pitch.

"To look at Wales, you don't get a positive thing coming out of it at the moment."

Page will continue in caretaker charge for the two qualifiers as well as Saturday's friendly against Mexico

"It is going to be interesting how that develops with Ryan and I can understand why they are hanging fire," added Ratcliffe.

"But something needs to be sorted."