Three Lions Squad Depth Called 'Absurd' - Wales Boss Craig Bellamy
- Published
International friendly: England v Wales
Venue: London's Wembley, London Date: October 9th Kick-off: 19:45 BST
The Wales head coach says the English player pool is remarkable that matchmakers would not pair them against the Welsh team.
Bellamy's men face England in a friendly at Wembley on Thursday before their important World Cup qualifier against the Belgians next the following week.
England manager Thomas Tuchel has left the likes of Jude Bellingham, Foden and Jack Grealish out of his squad for the match against Wales and their qualifying game against the Latvian team.
"England have a incredible team, like France," Bellamy remarked.
"England have a transfer market value of 1.4 billion pounds, ours is 170 million. If you were a fight promoter, you wouldn't match us up. That wouldn't be permitted."
He explains ensuring Wales can compete with the star-studded opponents is a "key motivation".
The Wales head coach added: "We do not rely on market prices, but the simple fact is England have more than a single lineup. They have two, three, four and the French and other nations have the same level. England have loads of top talents and that's the honest truth."
"A defender went out with injury the recently and there's only two dozen others to choose from! They've got over sixty players. I'd love us to be stacked like them."
The neighbouring countries most recently met at the 2022 tournament in Qatar, when the English ran out easy 3-0 winners in a fixture before Gareth Southgate's side reached the quarter-finals.
The new manager is Tuchel, a European and world club champion at the London club who has claimed domestic titles in Ligue 1 and his native Germany.
Bellamy was formerly an assistant at the Belgian side and the English club to Kompany, who succeeded Tuchel at Bayern Munich.
"He's an outstanding coach - his record speak for themselves," Bellamy noted.
"I possess some sort of understanding because the team he departed I am familiar with individuals who have gone in there. I gain a glimpse there of his methods and it's very impressive. "
"His tactical detail is top level and I wanted to be facing such a challenge - observe how you're going to adapt because he will. I can learn from that. I'd love to reach such heights."
Wales Squad Selection
Keepers: Karl Darlow (Leeds), Davies (Sheffield Utd), King (the Toffees).
Defenders: Cabango (Swansea), Dasilva (Coventry City), B. Davies (Tottenham Hotspur), Ronan Kpakio (Cardiff City), Dylan Lawlor (Cardiff City), Mepham (West Brom), Rodon (Leeds United), Neco Williams (Nottingham Forest).
Midfield: Ethan Ampadu (Leeds), Brooks (Bournemouth), J. James (Leicester City - loaned by Stade Rennais), Josh Sheehan (Bolton), Thomas (Stoke), H. Wilson (Fulham), Joel Colwill (Cardiff), R. Colwill (Cardiff City).
Forwards: Nathan Broadhead (the Red Dragons), Liam Cullen (Swansea City), Harris (Oxford United), Lewis Koumas (Birmingham City - loaned by the Reds), Johnson (Tottenham Hotspur), Moore (Wrexham), Isaak Davies (Cardiff City).
