🔗 Share this article

The England head coach expressed his disappointment that the England team did not enjoy stronger encouragement from the home crowd during their impressive 3-0 friendly victory on Thursday night.

The manager was pleased to see his team showcase their winning momentum, with finishes from Rogers, Watkins, and Bukayo Saka inside the first 20 minutes effectively ending the match. But, he was displeased with the energy at the iconic venue.

“With limited training days to prepare against a well-trained team and we did very well,” the coach stated. “It could have been five goals ahead at the break. We missed the additional ones. It was quiet. We didn’t get support back from the stands. Our team gave their all to win.”

“How much more can you deliver in 20 minutes? We didn’t let them get away. If you hear just the Welsh supporters for half an hour, it’s disappointing because the team earned more support today.”

“I support my words. There’s nothing more than leading three goals up in a derby. I hoped for a greater support in phases where it gets difficult.”

“After halftime, to get behind us, there was a bit too much support for Wales. It might have aided us to recharge, but that’s the way it went and that is it.”

Selection Choices Justified by Performance

Away from potentially starting a dispute among fans, the manager also caused a stir by excluding Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden from his team selection. But the move was justified by Morgan Rogers excelling in the No 10 position and getting his first international goal.

“He plays his game,” the head coach explained. “He operates as an attacking midfielder and he is competing for his spot.”

Bellamy Seeks Lessons from Defeat

Craig Bellamy hopes that Wales, who face Belgium in a crucial World Cup qualifier on next week, learn from their disappointing first-half display.

“This is why I wanted this friendly,” the manager stated. “I wanted to assess our current level. What are our ambitions? What is our identity? Today fills me with motivation.”

Injury Concern for Striker

Ollie Watkins was withdrawn at half-time after hitting a goalpost and may miss out when England face Latvia in Riga in a World Cup qualifying match on next week.