Iceland vs Wales LIVE: Nations League team news, line-ups and more as Brennan Johnson starts
Craig Bellamy looks to continue his strong start as Wales boss
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Iceland football host Wales football in the Nations League this evening in what is a crucial match in Group B4. Craig Bellamy’s side currently sit second in the table but are only one point ahead of tonight’s opponents as they attempt to qualify for promotion to the league above.
Wales have made a strong to life under Craig Bellamy who has introduced a more attacking-minded style of play with players given freedom to get up the pitch. Bellamy’s first match ended in an impressive draw against Turkey which was then followed by a very good performance in a 2-1 away win against Montenegro.
The former Wales captain succeeded Rob Page as manager in July and securing a route to the top flight of the Nations League would be an immediate success.
However, Iceland are no pushovers. They famously beat England at Wembley earlier this year and challenged Turkey before slipping to a 3-1 loss last time out. Freezing temperatures will greet the Welsh squad in Reykjavik and Iceland will be more used to the drastic conditions.
Follow all the Nations League action with our live blog below:
Iceland vs Wales talking points
Allen returns
After 20 months in international retirement, Joe Allen is back and ready to represent Wales once again.
The 74-times capped 34-year-old is among Wales’ greatest-ever midfielders and has played at two European Championships and a World Cup.
Injuries have taken their toll on the Swansea veteran but his experience in the dressing room will be invaluable for Bellamy, who believes Allen still has enough left in the tank to make his mark for Wales.
Iceland vs Wales talking points
Johnson in form
Every Wales supporter will hope Brennan Johnson can transfer his Tottenham form to the international stage.
Johnson has scored in six successive Spurs games to underline Bellamy’s assertion the winger is worth at least £80m.
The 23-year-old has yet to spark consistently for Wales, scoring three times in 30 appearances, but he has never joined up with the Dragons before in such a rich vein of form.
Iceland vs Wales talking points
Bellamy’s rebuild
Wales boss Craig Bellamy will be determined to build on a promising start that saw the players instantly take on board his ideas.
Bellamy said a lot of information was delivered by him and his coaching staff in a short space of time before September’s opening two Nations League fixtures.
The aim now is that Wales will be even better this month after more time spent on the training pitch and in the meeting room.
Wales players receiving support over Baldock’s death
“It really hit home last night. It was really sad news and your feeling goes to the family first,” Bellamy said at his press conference ahead of Friday’s Group B4 clash in Reykjavik.
“I was speaking to his brother Sam (an academy coach at Brighton) the other day at a game. A lot of our players have played against him and, of course, we have players who have played with him and been close to him for a number of years. We have staff who have been with him for a number of years as well.
“You look at your group of players and we’ve been in communication with them. We have a good support network here with the FAW (Football Association of Wales).
“We’ve been on hand with that and we’ve spoken this morning about it. Their clubs are able to lend a hand as well.
“I love football, but it isn’t the most important. It really isn’t. The players’ well-being is the most important, and that’s where my mind was and it is now.
“I’ll speak to one or two players again. As long as they are OK, that’s the most important thing in such difficult circumstances.”
Craig Bellamy says Wales players receiving support after George Baldock death
Wales manager Craig Bellamy says his players have been affected by the death of George Baldock with some receiving support ahead of their Nations League clash with Iceland.
Former Sheffield United defender Baldock died in Greece – where he was playing for Panathinaikos – on Wednesday at the age of 31.
Two members of Bellamy’s squad, Adam Davies and Rhys Norrington-Davies, had been team-mates of Baldock at Bramall Lane over the past few seasons before his summer departure to Greece.
Craig Bellamy says Wales players receiving support after George Baldock death
The former Sheffield United defender died in Greece on Wednesday at the age of 31
Wales make four changes
Craig Bellamy has brought changes for this match with four swaps in personnel.
Danny Ward replaces Karl Darlow in goal while Chris Mepham is taken from defence and gets replaced by Sorba Thomas.
Ethan Ampadu and Lewis Koumas drop out with Jordan James and Brennan Johson replacing them. It’s a balanced line-up and expect the full backs to get forward when Wales have possession.
Bellamy reflects on first camp
“I couldn’t have enjoyed it any more,” Craig Bellamy said of his first camp in charge of Wales. “The players were exceptional. I’m always conscious of the amount of information we give because we don’t want to overload but, when we spoke to the players, they wanted more.
“It’s new to me as well. I was conscious of everyone telling me you only have so many days with them. I’ve never really felt it was that way. Footballers are really intelligent, they can take more than you can give because they’re the ones playing, the ones who have a feel for the game.
“If you can show why - and there has to be a why in everything you do - they start to feel that and see it for themselves then go with it even more. That was the most pleasing aspect of it all.”
Davies excited for Iceland game
Ben Davies echoed Craig Bellamy’s thoughts but added that playing for Wales brings a new level of excitement. He said: “There’s excitement and a bit of added pressure to repeat it [from the last camp]. All we can do is try and play the exciting football that we can and try and win games.
“We have a plan and we have to stick to that. We try to be dominant on the ball and create as many chances as we can. We try to make games exciting and I think we showed that in the first couple of games.”
The defender also addressed being named captian of the national team saying: “It’s always a privilege to captain your country,.
“I love doing it and that will never grow old on me. It’s the best feeling in football to be honest.”
Iceland vs Wales line-ups
Iceland XI: Valdimarsson; Fridriksson, Gretarsson, Ingason, Finnasson; J. Gudmundsson, Thordarson, Willumsson’ A. Gudjohnsen, Oskarsson, Thorsteinsson
Wales XI: Ward; Roberts, Rodon, Davies, Williams, Thomas; Wilson, James, Cooper; Johnson, Moore
Bellamy won’t ‘play down’ expectations
Wales manager Craig Bellamy says he is aware of the expectations on the team and promised to never ‘play them down’ as the national side look to qualify for the top league in the Nations League and reach the next World Cup.
“I’d be worried if there wasn’t expectations,” said Bellamy. “I certainly don’t believe in ever trying to play them down. I don’t think that would be fair to people who come to watch.
“We have a level of patience but also understanding within the group, we have to be sensible as well, but for anyone whether it’s the public or whatever, if they’re excited that’s exactly where we want them to be.
“I certainly wouldn’t play that down. I’ve got to be honest, I’m excited.”
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