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The England head coach shared his sadness that the Three Lions team did not get stronger encouragement from the home crowd during their decisive friendly win against Wales on Thursday evening.

The manager was happy to see his side showcase their strong performance, with goals from Rogers, Ollie Watkins, and Saka inside the opening quarter effectively ending the match. But, he was unhappy with the energy at the national stadium.

“We had limited sessions to get ready against a drilled team and we performed excellently,” the coach remarked. “It could have been 5-0 up at half-time. We missed the fourth and fifth ones. The stadium was silent. There was no any energy from the stands. Our team gave their all to win.”

“How much more can you give in the first quarter? We prevented them escape. If you hear just the Welsh supporters for 30 minutes, it’s sad because the team earned better encouragement today.”

“I support this statement. There’s nothing more than being three goals up in a derby. I would have wished for a little more backing in periods where it is challenging.”

“In the second half, to support us, there was a bit too much support for Wales. It might have aided us to regain energy, but that’s the way it went and that is it.”

Selection Choices Justified by Performance

Away from potentially starting a fight with supporters, the manager also created controversy by omitting Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden from his team selection. However the decision was justified by Rogers impressing again in the No 10 position and scoring his maiden goal for his country.

“He plays his game,” the head coach said. “He is a No 10 and he is competing for his spot.”

Wales Manager Hopes for Improvement from Loss

Craig Bellamy expressed hope that his team, who host a strong Belgian side in a important qualifying match on Monday, learn from their poor performance in the opening period.

“That’s the reason I scheduled this friendly,” Bellamy commented. “I wanted to assess our standing. What are our ambitions? What is our identity? Today fills me with motivation.”

Fitness Worry for Striker

Watkins was taken off at the break after colliding with a post and will be a doubt when the national team play Latvia in Riga in a World Cup qualifying match on Tuesday.