International Friendly ‘Mismatch’ Evokes Memories of Days Gone By

England vs Wales

From Mark Hughes to Ian Rush, Ryan Giggs to their most recent talisman Gareth Bale, Neville Southall to Kevin Ratcliffe, or going back even further to the likes of the distinguished John Charles, Wales have always produced some world class talents.

What they would give for just one such player of that calibre in 2025.

The current scenario facing the national team was best summed up this week by current manager – and no mean player himself – Craig Bellamy who admitted that if England versus Wales was a boxing match, it wouldn’t be allowed.

That gulf is certainly evident as the British nations prepare to meet in an international friendly at Wembley on Thursday.

 

Talking Points

As Wales head along the M4 for the friendly before returning to Cardiff to host Belgium in a crucial World Cup qualifier next Monday. Bellany admits he has enjoyed analysing Thomas Tuchel’s side in preparation.

But it doesn’t alter the fact that, while England have a much wider talent pool to select from, Wales now often have to recruit their starting XI from the peripheral fields of top class club football.

The irony is not lost on this SBOTOP writer when I notice that, arguably, the only two players who have emerged with the potential of being at the level of a Giggs or Bale, are both injured for this clash.

Daniel James sustained an ankle injury in training with Leeds, while Aaron Ramsey, who has not played for his country since September 2024, remains sidelined. They have been replaced by two Cardiff City players in Isaak Davies and Rubin Colwill respectively – the latter joining his younger brother Joel in the squad.

Turning my attention to England, I had high hopes for the national team to move up a level when Thomas Tuchel was appointed to replace Gareth Southgate – a coach whose record was impressive (Euro 2024 finalists less than 15 months ago) but it remained very rare they beat a top nation in tournament encounters when it mattered.

Now I am not so sure.

Some of his public utterances, most notably his comments about Jude Bellingham earlier this summer, raised alarm bells with me.

A fine young and occasionally petulant talent he may be, and the German acknowledged him as a special player, but Tuchel was foolish to use the word ‘repulsive’ when describing some of his behaviour. He was even more foolhardy to drag the player’s mother into the debate, moves which suggests to me that Tuchel doesn’t always get the’ public scrutiny’ balance correct.

Of course, such is the international game nowadays, the established footballing nations should always qualify for and reach the latter stages of a major tournament.

It is exactly then that a top, experienced manager will earn his corn and next summer will be the real time to judge Tuchel who should expect a comfortable win this Thursday with a squad which could afford to leave out Bellingham, Phil Foden and Jack Grealish.

How Bellamy, who won 78 Wales caps and captained the side between 2007-2010 but never had the fortune to play in a major tournament, would wish for such luxury and choice.

 

History

Two old foes who have been paired together on 104 occasions, including a number of times in the former British Home Championships.

As you’d expect given the differing size of the neighbouring countries, England have been dominant in the fixture with 69 victories to Wales’ 14 successes and a further 21 draws.

The very first meeting was a friendly in 1879 when England emerged 2-1 winners at the Kennington Oval in London before a reported crowd of just 200.

Herbert Whitfeld and Thomas Heathcote Sorby were their scorers inside the first 20 minutes with William Henry Davies the Welsh marksman.

The last time Wales beat England was seven games ago in 1984, but it was a big one as a clever Hughes header settled the contest at Wrexham.

Wales have not played England since a comprehensive 3-0 group-stage defeat at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar when a Foden goal was sandwiched between a Marcus Rashford double.

They also met at Euro 2016 – their first ever meeting at a major tournament – when a last-gasp Daniel Sturridge strike fired England to a 2-1 win after Bale, with a superb free-kick, and Jamie Vardy had traded goals.

Wales had the last laugh, however, topping the group and going onto reach the semi-finals.

 

Betting Tip

All the international friendly 2025 highlights are expected to belong to the hosts and that is reflected in our international friendly 2025 betting odds.

Friendly or not – and the result doesn’t matter – you simply cannot back against England.

They are priced 1X2 @ 1.25 and Asian Handicap -1.50 @ 1.90, compared to Wales 1X2 @ 7.90 and Asian Handicap +1.25 @ 2.25.

The Draw @ 4.59 is a bet even the most optimistic Welsh fan would think twice about.

Another 3-0 success will pay out @ 7.10 and that has tempted me. Goal options to consider include Total Goal 0-1 @ 3.32, 2-3 @ 1.99 and 4-6 @ 3.17.

I do not think there will be that many goals but I have to back England who operate at a very different level to the nation ranked 30^th in the FIFA world rankings (England are fourth).

   

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