Bellamy: “Only a Matter of Time” Before England Win Major Trophy

Bellamy: “It’s Only a Matter of Time” Before England Win Major Trophy

Wales head coach Craig Bellamy believes England are on the brink of international glory, stating it’s only a matter of time before they win a major tournament.

Bellamy made the comments ahead of Wales’ friendly against England at Wembley on Thursday, 9 October (19:45 BST). The match will serve as preparation for Wales’ crucial World Cup qualifier against Belgium the following Monday.

England vs Wales: More Than Just a Friendly?

While the match is listed as a friendly, Bellamy made it clear: “I don’t believe in friendlies. There aren’t any when you represent your country.”

He added that his selection of England as opponents was intentional, aimed at testing his squad against one of the top footballing nations in the world.

“This is a team that when they go to tournaments they’re looking to win it. I believe it’s only a matter of time. I thought it would have happened before now,” Bellamy said of England.

Changing Faces Since Qatar 2022

This match marks the first meeting since England’s 3-0 win over Wales at the 2022 World Cup group stage in Qatar. A lot has changed since then:

• Craig Bellamy has taken over from Rob Page as Wales boss.

• Thomas Tuchel has replaced Gareth Southgate as England manager.

• Wales have won their Nations League group and adopted a bold, new playing style under Bellamy.

Though new to senior management, Bellamy is already making waves, while Tuchel brings a Champions League-winning pedigree and tactical discipline to the England setup.

Bellamy on Identity, Not Rivalry

While the media may frame the fixture as a historic rivalry, Bellamy dismissed that notion:

“The rivalry is not for me. I grew up in England. My football education is in England. I’m grateful. For me, our biggest rival is ourselves — our identity, our mentality, who we are.”

His focus is squarely on instilling a work ethic and identity in the Welsh squad — emphasizing structure without the ball and expression with it.

Talent Recruitment: The Mikey Moore Angle

Tottenham Hotspur winger Mikey Moore captained England Under-19s earlier this year

Ahead of the England clash, Wales have been working behind the scenes to convince Tottenham winger Mikey Moore to switch allegiance from England.

Moore, currently on loan at Rangers and eligible for Wales via a grandparent, has drawn interest from the Football Association of Wales (FAW).

Bellamy confirmed contact had been made but criticized the publicity:

“I’d prefer it if it wasn’t aired. No individual, especially young players, should be in the public domain.”

“We do our work behind the scenes. We’d be naive not to. It’s about mentality and ability to add to us — if they do, we’re always aware.”

Match Info

• Fixture: England vs Wales (International Friendly)

• Venue: Wembley Stadium, London

• Date: Thursday, 9 October

• Kick-off: 19:45 BST

• Coverage: Live on S4C, BBC Radio Wales, Radio Cymru, BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Sounds, and live text commentary on the BBC Sport website and app