CHRIS Mepham played the full 90 minutes as Wales took a huge step towards the knockout stage of Euro 2020 by beating Turkey 2-0 in Baku.

Aaron Ramsey struck close to half-time – his 17th international goal – and Connor Roberts sewed up victory in the final seconds after Gareth Bale had missed a penalty.

The win takes Wales onto four points and leaves them in a healthy position heading into their final Group A fixture against Italy in Rome on Sunday.

Cherries defender Mepham helped his nation to a clean sheet, digging in to keep Turkey at bay during the second half.

No side failed to make the last 16 at Euro 2016 in France five years ago having accumulated four points.

A few hundred Wales fans were vastly outnumbered in the 69,870-capacity Olympic Stadium, which was about half full. The close ties between Azerbaijan and Turkey meant the local population were firmly behind the Crescent-Stars.

The two countries had not met since 1997 when Turkey won a crazy 10-goal World Cup qualifier 6-4.

Mepham's club-mate David Brooks was an unused substitute in Baku.