Three Lions Squad Depth Called 'Absurd' - Welsh Manager Craig Bellamy
- Published
Friendly match: Wales vs England
Venue: Wembley Stadium, London Date: Thursday, 9 October Kick-off: 7:45 PM BST
Craig Bellamy states England's squad depth is so impressive that matchmakers wouldn't match them against his Wales side.
Bellamy's men face England in a non-competitive match at Wembley on Thursday before their crucial World Cup qualifier against the Belgians next Monday.
National team coach Thomas Tuchel has left the likes of Bellingham, Foden and Jack Grealish from his selection for the Wales friendly and their World Cup qualifier against the Latvian team.
"The English have a incredible squad, similar to the French," the coach said.
"England have a market valuation of £1.4bn, Wales' is £170m. If you were a fight promoter, you would not match us up. That wouldn't be permitted."
He explains ensuring the Welsh team can compete with the talented opponents is a "key motivation".
The Wales head coach continued: "Our team don't go off market prices, but the simple fact is they don't just have one team. They possess two, three, four and France and other nations have the same level. England have many top talents and that's the honest truth."
"A defender was ruled out with injury the recently and there are 24 more to choose from! They've got over sixty footballers. I'd love Wales to be well-equipped like them."
The neighbouring countries most recently met at the 2022 tournament in the Middle East, when England ran out comfortable 3-0 winners in a group match before Gareth Southgate's side reached the quarter-finals.
The new manager is Thomas Tuchel, a European and world club winner at Chelsea who has claimed league championships in France and his home country.
Bellamy was formerly an assistant at Anderlecht and Burnley to Kompany, who succeeded him at Bayern Munich.
"He's an incredible coach - his achievements is proven," Bellamy added.
"I have a degree of insight because the team he departed I am familiar with people who have gone in there. I gain a glimpse from that of how he works and it's remarkable. "
"His tactical detail is top level and I wanted to be up against such a challenge - observe how we adjust because he adapts too. I will get to learn from that. I'd love to reach that level."
Welsh Team Selection
Goalkeepers: Karl Darlow (Leeds United), Davies (Sheffield United), Tom King (Everton).
Defenders: Cabango (Swansea), Dasilva (Coventry City), Ben Davies (Spurs), Ronan Kpakio (Cardiff City), Dylan Lawlor (Cardiff City), Chris Mepham (West Bromwich Albion), Rodon (Leeds), Williams (Nottingham Forest).
Midfield: Ampadu (Leeds United), David Brooks (the Cherries), Jordan James (Leicester City - loaned by Rennes), Sheehan (Bolton), Thomas (Stoke City), H. Wilson (Fulham), J. Colwill (Cardiff City), R. Colwill (Cardiff City).
Forwards: Broadhead (the Red Dragons), Liam Cullen (Swansea City), Mark Harris (Oxford), Koumas (Birmingham - loaned by Liverpool), Johnson (Tottenham Hotspur), Kieffer Moore (Wrexham), Isaak Davies (Cardiff).
