Three Leeds United first team stars were in action on Thursday night in the England versus Wales friendly. Craig Bellamy put out a strong lineup for the game, despite an upcoming qualifier against Belgium.
The Three Lions run out comfortable 3-0 winners, and even had the luxury of killing off the game in the first 45 minutes. After the match, BBC Sport Wales writer Dafydd Pritchard said the game was ‘one of Bellamy’s worst since he 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.
”There was a slight improvement in the second half as Bellamy replaced several first-team players to protect them for Monday’s World Cup qualifier with Belgium, and the substitutes injected some much-needed energy and urgency into what had been a listless performance.
”But by that stage, with more than an hour gone, the game was well beyond Wales.”
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Leeds United trio not spared as Roy Keane slams Wales performance
Joe Rodon, Karl Darlow, Ethan Ampadu Credit: Imago
Karl Darlow, Ethan Ampadu and Joe Rodon all started the game against England. However, their performances were not enough to help their national team get a result in the game. The 3-0 half time deficit ticked off Roy Keane, who was on the panel during ITVs coverage.
The former Manchester United midfielder had some heavy criticism for Craig Bellamy’s Wales side.
“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.”
Craig Bellamy has a crucial qualifier up next
Up next for Wales is a World Cup qualifier against Belgium. It is sort of a must win game for Craig Bellamy if his team are to stand a chance of making the World Cup. North Macedonia top the group with 11 points followed by Belgium and Wales who are both tied on 10 points each. There are three games to go in the group, so whoever wins this tie takes a huge step closer to automatic qualification.
Darlow, Rodon and Ampadu are all expected to be available for Monday night’s game.
