On Thursday night, Wales lost to England in a friendly match during the international break. It was a game that Leeds United fans were keeping their eye on as three of their best players were in action.
Craig Bellamy named a strong side as Ethan Ampadu, Karl Darlow and Joe Rodon all featured in the match. England dominated the match from start to finish. The Three Lions killed the game off in the first half with goals from Ollie Watkins, Bukayo Saka and Morgan Rodgers.
BBC Sport Wales writer Dafydd Pritchard claimed that the game was one of the worst for Wales since Bellamy took charge:
”Craig Bellamy had actually picked a strong team – a demonstration of how seriously he was taking the game – but friendly or otherwise, the first 45 minutes were the worst of his tenure”
QUIZ: Can you name these 10 former Leeds United midfielders?
BBC Sport rate Ethan Ampadu vs England
Joe Rodon Karl Darlow Ethan Ampadu Credit: Imago
Ethan Ampadu only played 64 minutes in the game, but was powerless to have some influence as England put three goals past his side. BBC Sport gave the Leeds United man a 5/10 rating, saying that he was helpless against ‘world class’ opposition:
”Usually the heartbeat of the team in midfield but did not have the support around him in the face of world-class opposition.”
Ampadu completed 19 of his 25 passes, had one interception and lost the ball six times.
Roy Keane furious with Wales team
During half time, former Manchester United star Roy Keane was on punditry duty with ITV. He held nothing back as he bashed the Wales team for their performance in the first 45 minutes of the match.
“They are just not competing, Wales.
“They had a bad start and never recovered. They are shellshocked.
“It’s like they’re a lower league team that has gone to play a Premier League team in the FA Cup.”
Up next for Craig Bellamy’s side is a crucial World Cup qualifier against Belgium. The game on Monday could be make or break as Wales are level on points with their opponents. A win could see them go top of the group. Karl Darlow, Ethan Ampadu and Joe Rodon are expected to be available for the game.
