Wales boss Bellamy criticises four-game window after Denmark loss
October 5, 2026 01:00
Wales head coach Craig Bellamy said the new four-match international window had counted against his side after Denmark won 1-0 in Sunday’s Nations League match courtesy of a 75th-minute Rasmus Hojlund penalty.
Bellamy described the defeat as part of a heavy run of fixtures: it was Wales’ third loss in four games played inside 10 days under the newly elongated international break. Wales had beaten Norway on Thursday but “rarely looked like scoring” against Denmark, Bellamy said.
BELLAMY’S VIEW
Bellamy argued the extended window disadvantages smaller nations, saying: “Physically, I completely agree with the ones who don't like [the new window]. It makes no sense.” He added he had voted against the change and that the four-game block “puts a real stress on a lot of us.”
He highlighted injuries that hampered his camp: Karl Darlow, Joe Rodon, Dylan Lawlor and Harry Wilson missed the entire camp, while David Brooks dropped out of the squad after the opening defeat by Portugal. Bellamy also said Dan James was not fit enough to play against Denmark and that Ben Davies probably should have been rested after being withdrawn late on.
MATCH DETAILS
Goalkeeper Danny Ward produced two notable saves from Hojlund and Gustav Isaksen before conceding and committing the foul that led to the penalty. Bellamy acknowledged the penalty was the decisive moment but pointed to Ward’s earlier stops, saying he “made two incredible saves before that.”
GROUP STANDING AND NEXT GAMES
Despite the loss, Wales moved to third in Nations League Group A4 on head-to-head record following Norway’s 2-1 defeat in Portugal. Wales travel to Oslo to play Norway next month and will finish the group at home to Portugal three days later.