With the World Cup around the corner, I will be looking at the Welsh boys very closely at the start of the season.

Rob Page has been over to Qatar over the summer and he’s really happy with the training facilities, so everything is all systems go on that front. He’s really looking forward, like everyone else.

I’m hearing that fans are still scrambling around trying to get tickets and somewhere to stay.

It’s such a small country for 32 countries to go there, each with thousands of fans. I know Wales fans have got tickets from anywhere they could get hold of them.

And I know that there’s a big group of fans going over to Tenerife for the World Cup as well, so good luck to them. I’m glad that they’ve thought of another option.

We haven’t been to a World Cup for so long, it’s hard not to think about it but I’m trying to keep it at the back of my mind for now, or until September anyway, when we have our last two matches before the World Cup against Belgium and Poland.

The most important thing is that the players are fit and ready to go. We need to go with the strongest squad possible and we’ve seen some good moves for our Welsh internationals over the summer.

Joe Rodon going on loan to Rennes in France was a big one for me, and he will get some game time.

And you look at Aaron Ramsey – I thought he would be rotting in Turin, but he’s not.

He actually got himself a two year deal with Nice in France as well, and it’s the perfect opportunity for him to get some football under his belt.

Gareth Bale, we all know what’s happened to him, moving to LAFC. I just hope the Americans don’t kick him, because we play the USA in our first game in the World Cup! It’s great to see him hit the ground running there as well.

Neco Williams to Nottingham Forest is a great move for him, to be playing consistently at the highest level.

Steve Cooper has brought in Wayne Hennessey as well, but Brennan Johnson is the one to look out for there. He’s in the Premiership now and it’s a great time for him.

Above all, we just need to make sure that they all get on that plane safely!

Lastly, I’ve got to congratulate the England Women’s team on their great success at the Euros this summer, and what an influence that will have on girls’ football.

I’ve looked at the crowds that some clubs attracted in the WSL in England, and Man United and Man City averaged about 2,000.

But the Euros final was watched by over 86,000 at Wembley so let’s hope that drives up the crowds for the club games.

Will it make a difference for Welsh football? Yes, of course. Gemma Grainger has done a magnificent job already, but this can only promote it and inspire young girls in Wales to get into a team or an academy.

We’ve got to give them as much attention as we can and nurture their talent with good coaches. There’s always potential in Wales, as we’ve seen with the girls like the likes of Jess Fishlock, Angharad James and Sophie Ingle, who have played in America and over in England, at the highest levels.

I’m really looking forward to seeing them back in action in September in the World Cup qualifiers.

For sure, their profile will have grown as well, after what England achieved.

Malcolm Allen is a part of S4C’s Sgorio team. Watch Aberystwyth Town v Cardiff Met from 5.30pm on Saturday on S4C, and Bala v Newtown on S4C Clic and Sgorio’s Facebook and YouTube channels at 7.45pm on Thursday 25 August. Highlights of all JD Cymru Premier matches will be shown on Sgorio, every Monday at 9.35pm.