The main talking points as Wales prepare to face Belgium in World Cup qualifying
Craig Bellamy extended his unbeaten start as manager to nine games with Friday's 3-0 victory over Liechtenstein as Wales went top of the group.
Here, the PA news agency looks at the main talking points surrounding the Brussels clash at the King Baudouin Stadium.
Wales boss Bellamy wasted no time in outlining his Brussels battle plan after beating Liechtenstein made it seven points from nine in World Cup qualifying.
'We go there and I'm not camping,' Bellamy said. 'I'm not sitting back. It's not in my make-up. I can't do it.'
These were bold words from Bellamy, who knows Belgium present the acid test of his Wales reign.
Harry Wilson was very much a boy when making his Wales debut in Belgium 12 years ago.
At the age of 16 years and 207 days he became Wales' youngest-ever player – a record he still holds to this day.
A dozen years on and Wilson is now Wales' main man, his second-half header against Liechtenstein his fifth goal in seven games since Bellamy took charge.
The only sour note of the Liechtenstein win was the early loss of Neco Williams to injury.
The Nottingham Forest full-back, one of the few Premier League regulars in the Wales squad, has been a stand-out player under Bellamy and will be a real miss in Brussels.
Jay Dasilva replaced Williams on Friday and set up Wilson's goal with a fine cross, but Ben Davies could revert to left-back in Brussels with Chris Mepham partnering Joe Rodon at the heart of the defence.
Bellamy coached Jeremy Doku during his time as Anderlecht Under-21 coach and admits the Manchester City winger was 'difficult' to work with.
But Bellamy said Doku's drive was 'insane' and that he helped him become a better coach.
Doku has reached the Premier League via Rennes and could now return to haunt Bellamy on the international stage.
The FIFA world rankings would have it that Belgium are the eighth best team in the world.
But Belgium, who once topped the rankings, have only one win in eight games and began their World Cup campaign with a disappointing 1-1 draw in North Macedonia on Friday.
Former Lyon boss Rudi Garcia was perhaps a curious choice to take over as head coach in January, and only a few ageing members of the so-called 'Golden Generation' such as Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku remain.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Daily Mirror
Jonny Evans makes surprise announcement on future after Man Utd release him
Jonny Evans has been released by Manchester United and the defender remains uncertain about what could come next in his career when he leaves the Red Devils this month Jonny Evans is in no rush to make a decision on his future after it was confirmed he would be released by Manchester United. The defender is set to see his contract expire at the end of the month with no renewal forthcoming. But despite the 37-year-old being firmly in the twilight of his career, no official announcement on a retirement has arrived, though he is expected to do so. The Northern Irish defender is set to reflect on his situation before making a decision over his next steps. Evans is set to end his second spell at Old Trafford having returned to the club in 2023 to take on a senior role in the dressing room and to provide additional depth in United's backline. The veteran probably played more than anticipated making 30 appearances in his first season back to see his contract extended by a further year. Evans was called upon less frequently last term in a difficult season and joins the likes of Christian Eriksen and Victor Lindelof in exiting the club. Tom Heaton remains in discussions over potentially extending his stay. It had been suggested Evans' departure could mark the end of his career, after Evans noted 'It was stay here or retire' last summer. The defender is yet to make plans however. "I'm not sure yet," Evans told BBC Sport NI when asked about his future . "I'll take a bit of time. I don't feel like I'm in a rush to do anything." In his eight years away from Manchester, Evans spent three years at West Bromwich Albion and five years at Leicester. The central defender added an FA Cup victory in 2021 to three Premier League titles, a Champions League, an FA Cup and two League Cup success across his two stints with the Red Devils. Evans earned 107 caps for Northern Ireland and provided some analysis on where the nation stands during his appearance on BBC. The ex-Sunderland loanee is hopeful his former boss, Michael O'Neill can lead the country to World Cup qualification. "When you've got Michael O'Neill in charge, he gives everyone a little bit of hope," said Evans, "He's taken the team to a major tournament before and if you want anyone in charge, it's him. "When I look at this team it reminds me of ourselves. He's playing five at the back and he has Isaac Price, he's on a good run of form. "You look throughout the team, you see Dan Ballard and Trai Hume getting promoted, they'll be playing Premier League football and that'll only be good for the team. I'm excited. Over the next couple of years I think we'll see them progress together." Join our new MAN UTD WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Manchester United content from Mirror Football. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Metro
2 hours ago
- Metro
AC Milan hit 'problem' in talks to sign Oleksandr Zinchenko from Arsenal
AC Milan have begun talks to sign Arsenal defender Oleksandr Zinchenko, according to reports in Italy. The Ukraine international started just five Premier League games for Mikel Arteta's side this season and his campaign has once again been disrupted by a calf injury. With the rapid rise of Myles Lewis-Skelly in the first team, Arsenal are open to selling Zinchenko this summer. According to Sky Italy, AC Milan have already made an approach for Zinchenko as they are in the market to replace Theo Hernandez, who has turned down a move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal and is in talks to join Atletico Madrid. AC Milan have yet to reach an agreement over a fee with Arsenal, while Zinchenko's £150,000-a-week salary is also an issue for the Italian side, who finished eighth in Serie A this season. Wake up to find news on your club in your inbox every morning with Metro's Football Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your team in the link we'll send you so we can get football news tailored to you. Zinchenko has made 91 appearances for Arsenal following his £32 million move from Manchester City three years ago. Elsewhere, reports in Portugal claimed on Wednesday that Arsenal have held fresh talks with Viktor Gyokeres' agent over a deal for the Sporting CP striker. More Trending CNN Portugal and Portuguese newspaper Record reported on Wednesday evening that Arsenal's hierarchy met with Gyokeres' representative, Hasan Cetinkaya, on Wednesday and an official offer from the Gunners is now expected. CNN Portugal reporter Nuno Farinha said: 'Arsenal are the club that Gyokeres has wanted from the very beginning. 'Gyokeres wants to play for Arsenal, he has stated this desire very openly to his agent. 'Officially, there has not been an offer yet, but there have been many contacts. This time, it seems that there will be [an offer].' For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. MORE: Man Utd beat Arsenal, Spurs and Chelsea to sign highly-rated Southampton prospect MORE: Liverpool eyeing move for £100m PSG forward after record Florian Wirtz deal MORE: Tottenham, Aston Villa and Newcastle in race to sign £25m Manchester United star on loan
Metro
3 hours ago
- Metro
Man Utd beat Arsenal, Spurs and Chelsea to sign Southampton prospect
Manchester United have reached an agreement to sign teenager Harley Emsden-James from Southampton, beating a string of Premier League rivals to his signature. The Red Devils have done a deal worth £1m for the 16-year-old talent, although they will go on to pay add-ons and Southampton have negotiated a 20 per cent sell on clause. The centre-back has played up to Under-18 level for the Saints, despite only turning 16 in March this year. There was plenty of competition for the England youth international, with Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham all tracking the youngster. Manchester United have won the race, though, continuing their recent ploy to snap up the most promising young talent in the country. Wake up to find news on your club in your inbox every morning with Metro's Football Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your team in the link so we can send you football news tailored to you. The Red Devils have not only been able to do this from much smaller clubs, but also poaching talent from those of rival stature. Chido Obi and Ayden Heaven both arrived from Arsenal in the last year and have made their debuts in the Manchester United first team. It is very unlikely Emsden James will follow them into the first team in the near future, instead heading into the Under-18 team at Manchester United when he arrives. 18-year-old defender Heaven signed from Arsenal on February 1 and has already made six first team appearances for the Red Devils. It would have been more than that if it were not for a season-disrupting injury and he is likely to be regularly involved next season. Speaking out on why he left the Gunners for a move to Old Trafford, he said: 'The opportunities that the young players have got here in the past. 'I think United had the most minutes given to teenagers last season [2023/24]. That convinced me to come here. More Trending 'And the people and the fans here are quite loving, and I felt that when I was playing. They're so supportive.' Director of football Jason Wilcox has been credited for bringing in a number of talented prospects and Ruben Amorim thanked him for Heaven's arrival. 'I think once again Jason Wilcox is doing a great job bringing Ayden,' Amorim told MUTV in May. 'I think these types of players are what we need. He showed a lot of quality and character after the big injury. We want these types of players.' MORE: Liverpool eyeing move for £100m PSG forward after record Florian Wirtz deal MORE: Tottenham, Aston Villa and Newcastle in race to sign £25m Manchester United star on loan MORE: Newcastle in transfer talks for Brighton, Nottingham Forest and Burnley stars
