Bellamy: We’re Not Tourists at Wembley vs England
Harry Kane the most complete player I’ve seen - Craig Bellamy

Bellamy: We’re Not Tourists at Wembley vs England

“We’re Not Tourists” – Bellamy Rallies Wales Ahead of England Clash at Wembley

Wales manager Craig Bellamy has declared his side won’t be “tourists” when they face England in a high-profile international friendly at Wembley Stadium on Thursday, 9 October.

Speaking ahead of the match, Bellamy made it clear that despite the occasion, his focus is purely on performance and progress.

“We are not here as tourists to enjoy the occasion. We are here to be the best version of ourselves,” said Bellamy.

Match Preview

  • Fixture: England vs Wales (International Friendly)

  • Date: Thursday, 9 October

  • Kick-Off: 19:45 BST

  • Venue: Wembley Stadium

  • Coverage: BBC Radio Wales & BBC Radio Cymru

This is the first clash between the two home nations since England’s 3-0 win over Wales at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Bellamy Embraces the Challenge

England v Wales: The day in 1977 when Leighton James' penalty won it at Wembley

England v Wales: The day in 1977 when Leighton James’ penalty won it at Wembley

Despite coming off a disappointing friendly loss to Canada last month, Bellamy’s side still hold hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, sitting third in Group J ahead of a crucial clash against Belgium on 13 October in Cardiff.

The former Wales captain expressed admiration for England’s evolution under Thomas Tuchel, who has guided the Three Lions to a perfect record in Group K, including a 5-0 demolition of Serbia in Belgrade.

“Thomas is a top manager… I watched a lot of his Dortmund games, and I see similar patterns with England now,” said Bellamy.

Kane Ruled Out – But Respect Remains

England will be without talisman Harry Kane, who is nursing a minor ankle injury picked up during Bayern Munich’s win over Eintracht Frankfurt.

Still, Bellamy reserved high praise for the England captain:

“He’s the most complete player I’ve seen at this present moment,” said the Wales boss, who noted that his close friend Vincent Kompany currently manages Kane in Germany.

A Chance at Wembley History

Wales have not beaten England at Wembley since 1977, when Leighton James’ penalty earned a 1-0 win in the Home Championship.

Bellamy downplayed the historical angle, but acknowledged the pride involved:

“I haven’t looked at it that way. But I’m beyond proud… When that anthem goes, you’re like, ‘this is so good’.”

“We see England’s strengths, we see their weaknesses… For us, it’s history we’re always aware of and respectful of, but to us, it’s game by game.”

Tactical Focus Over Sentiment

Rather than a passive approach, Bellamy hinted at a bold game plan against England’s possession-dominant style.

“If you defend deep against this England team, you’ll die a slow death… please, put me up against the wall and end it now,” he joked.

What’s Next?

  • England vs Wales – Thursday, 9 October

  • Wales vs Belgium – Monday, 13 October (World Cup Qualifier)

  • England vs Latvia – Tuesday, 14 October (World Cup Qualifier)

Leave a Reply

There are no comments yet. Be the first to comment!