RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesCraig Bellamy signed a four-year deal with the Football Association of Wales in July 2024 [Getty Images]
Ian Rush believes Wales must learn from their painful World Cup play-off semi-final defeat by Bosnia and Herzegovina as they bid to qualify for Euro 2028.
The Red Dragons are winless in four matches so far this year and failed to qualify for the summer global showpiece in the USA, Canada and Mexico following their penalty shootout loss to Sergej Barbarez's side in March.
Their task is set to get tougher over the remainder of 2026 as Wales take on Portugal, Norway and Denmark in Nations League A.
But Wales legend Rush believes Craig Bellamy - who came close to leaving the Football Association of Wales to become Burnley boss earlier this summer - has the talent to deliver success with the national side.
"We have to be looking at qualifying [for Euro 2028], it's as simple as that," said Rush.
"Against Bosnia and Herzegovina, we should have won that. They beat Italy as well.
"The Euros are going to be in this country, so we need Wales to be in there."
The former Liverpool striker added: "I speak to Craig quite a lot.
"He's very, very good, so I'm looking forward to a good season and some good rounds from them because it's going to be difficult, looking at Norway, Denmark and Portugal."
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The summer that changed Welsh football
A number of Welsh players have secured moves during the summer going into the 2026-27 season.
Goalkeeper Karl Darlow left Leeds United to join Manchester United while Harry Wilson, arguably the star performer of the Bellamy era, moved from Fulham to Leeds.
Liverpool youngster Lewis Koumas, who scored his first international goal against Ghana in June, is also expected to secure another loan switch away from Anfield having had spells with Birmingham City and Hull City last season.
"I've seen Lewis quite a lot in pre-season, he looks very, very good," said Rush, who scored 28 times in 73 appearances for his country.
"Harry Wilson, he came on in the second half, he was a major influence for Leeds in beating Liverpool.
"We're looking forward, but we've got to keep it as a team, it's up to them to do that, but I can see us doing alright."
Wales start their Nations League campaign against Portugal in Lisbon on 24 September and face Denmark in Copenhagen three days later.
Bellamy's side then host Norway and Denmark at Cardiff City Stadium in October.
The final two matches of the campaign take place in November with Wales travelling to Norway before hosting Portugal.
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