Smith's first test was the qualifying stage for the 1976 European Championships as Wales were drawn alongside Hungary, Austria and Luxembourg. In the opening match against Austria, Wales took the lead through Arfon Griffiths, but eventually lost 2–1. Griffiths scored again in Wales' next two matches, a 2–0 win over Hungary and a 5–0 win over Luxembourg. The side continued their good form by becoming the first British side to beat Hungary in the nation since 1909, winning 2–1 via goals by John Toshack and John Mahoney and inflicting Hungary's first competitive home defeat since 1959. A second victory over Luxembourg was Gary Sprake's final international appearance. Despite having been considered Wales' first choice goalkeeper for nearly a decade, he finished his career with 37 caps, later remarking "it was expected of you as a Leeds player that you put the club first." In the final match, Wales met Austria in Wrexham needing only a draw to guarantee progress from their group. Arfon Griffiths scored the only goal of the match as Wales secured a 1–0 victory. In March 1976, the national side celebrated their centenary year with a friendly against England at the Racecourse Ground, which ended in a 2–1 defeat.
