Craig Bellamy, the Wales manager, has praised the decision to bring Joe Allen back into the Wales squad, describing it as a “no-brainer.” After a hiatus of 20 months, Allen, who had retired from international football in February 2023, has returned to the national team set-up. The 34-year-old midfielder had won 74 caps for Wales before stepping back.
Bellamy highlighted Allen’s experience and quality, stating that the player still has a lot to offer to the Wales team. Despite struggling with injuries and limited game time at Swansea this season, Allen’s inclusion in the squad for the upcoming Nations League fixtures against Iceland and Montenegro is seen as a positive move by Bellamy.
Having played a pivotal role in Wales’ journey to the semi-finals of Euro 2016, Allen’s presence is expected to bolster the midfield. Bellamy expressed his admiration for Allen as a player and emphasised that the team’s style of play suits him well. He acknowledged Allen’s willingness to contribute to the national side, making it an easy decision to recall him to the squad.
Reflecting on Allen’s retirement following Wales’ disappointing 2022 World Cup campaign, Bellamy mentioned that discussions with the player and monitoring his recovery process led to his return to the squad. Despite the absence of key players like Aaron Ramsey and Ethan Ampadu due to injuries, Bellamy remains optimistic about Wales’ prospects in the upcoming matches.
While Ramsey and Ampadu will miss the fixtures against Iceland and Montenegro, Bellamy expressed disappointment over their unavailability but praised their resilience. He mentioned that Ampadu is determined to make a strong comeback after his injury layoff, showing a positive attitude towards his recovery.
Additionally, Sheffield United’s Rhys Norrington-Davies returns to the Wales squad after a lengthy absence due to injury issues. The inclusion of players like David Brooks, Nathan Broadhead, and Wes Burns further strengthens the squad, although Daniel James and Rabbi Matondo remain sidelined.
With the Wales team gearing up for the Nations League challenges ahead, Bellamy’s decision to bring back Joe Allen and the return of other key players signal a positive outlook for the national side as they aim to make an impact in the upcoming fixtures.