TYLER Morgan has been challenged to cement a place in Wales' World Cup training squad by leading the charge for the Under-20s against the powerful English and French at the Junior World Championship.

On Thursday the Newport Gwent Dragons centre/wing will travel to Italy as a member of the squad that will lock horns with rugby's brightest young talent.

Morgan, who signed a national dual contract last December and was an unused member of the senior Six Nations squad, will hope it's not the only time that he pulls on a red jersey this summer.

On Monday, June 8 the 19-year-old from Caerleon is likely to be named by Warren Gatland in his extended training squad for England 2015 and Under-20s coach Jason Strange believes a tough draw presents him with a glorious chance to impress before that deadline.

The tournament opener sees Wales go up against France, who beat them 27-5 in the Six Nations, on Tuesday before they clash with World champions and Six Nations winners England a week on Saturday.

"I wouldn't be surprised if he is named in the World Cup squad because he is someone that I know the national coaches rate highly," said the former fly-half.

"But Tyler can only focus on what he can do and that's put in two big performances against England and France, who are both quality teams.

"These games give him the chance to impress and the Junior World Championship is about seeing what players are ready to take the next step and those that perhaps aren't.

"And Tyler's a big addition for us (from the Under-20s Six Nations) because he has played a lot of regional rugby and his presence on the field will give everyone a lift."

Wales will have their work cut out to finish top of the pile and give themselves a chance of matching the third-placed finish of 2012 in South Africa and the runners-up spot that they managed the following year in France.

But Strange, fresh from Ebbw Vale's exceptional season back in the Premiership, believes they have the talent to pose plenty of problems for England, France and Japan.

"It's a tough group and all three games will be challenging but our focus is on France and making sure we get a good start," he said.

"There wasn't much between all the sides in the Six Nations and we have a talented squad with a really exciting group of backs with a lot of pace.

"The hard grounds in Italy should suit us and conditions should support our aim to play a style of rugby with a lot of ball in hand."

Morgan is one of seven Dragons young guns named in the squad with wing Lloyd Lewis, props Keagan Bale, Leon Brown and Luke Garrett, openside Ollie Griffiths and blindside/number eight Harri Keddie

Wales U20 fixtures: France – Tuesday, June 2 (3.30pm); England – Saturday, June 6 (7.30pm); Japan – Wednesday, June 10 (5.30pm). Semi-finals and playoff games – Monday, June 15. Final and playoff games – Saturday, June 20.