Robert Page was “bursting with pride” but admitted he had to make some difficult decisions after leading Wales to the knockout stages of Euro 2020.

The former Watford captain saw his charges hold on to second spot in Group A despite losing 1-0 to Italy, finishing ahead of Switzerland – who beat Turkey 3-1 – on goal difference.

Wales’ five-goal advantage over Switzerland at kick-off had looked in danger of being wiped out when Ethan Ampadu was dismissed after 55 minutes for a late challenge on Federico Bernardeschi, but the Welsh dug in to secure their place in the last 16.

The Welsh interim boss had dropped Kieffer Moore, Ben Davies and Chris Mepham – who were carrying yellow cards – to the bench and brought in Ampadu, Chris Gunter and Neco Williams at the Stadio Olimpico.

“I had some tough decisions before the game,” said Page, whose side will now head to Amsterdam to play either Denmark, Finland or Russia in the round of 16.

“My heart was telling me to continue the momentum against Turkey and keep going.

“But there was a risk element with the three lads on bookings. There was a strong probability – a 95 per cent chance – that we would have gone through anyway, so I put them on the bench.

“They understood my concern and agreed with the decision.”

Wales became the smallest nation in terms of population to reach the semi-finals of the European Championships in France five years ago.

Asked how Wales had managed to make the last 16 again with such a small population, Page replied: “Don’t underestimate the character of a Welshman.

“It’s phenomenal what that changing room has got in there. I’m absolutely bursting with pride.

“I can’t speak highly enough of them, they got the job done to finish second.”