Craig Bellamy’s ‘unrealistic’ aim? To make Wales a top international team

That is the real question Bellamy has been pondering. Everything about this Nations League campaign has been geared towards the ultimate goal of reaching the 2026 World Cup.

The qualifying draw will take place in Switzerland on 13 December with Wales among the second seeds.

The 12 group winners will qualify automatically, while the 12 runners-up will enter the play-offs along with the four highest-ranked Nations League group winners who have not qualified automatically.

Since group winners in League A – the likes of Spain, Germany and France – are almost certain to qualify automatically and will not require a play-off, those Nations League spots are likely to fall to League B winners, of which Wales are one.

So even if Bellamy’s side fail to finish among the top two of their World Cup qualifying group, they are close to being guaranteed a play-off place.

That is a precious back-up option – one which has helped Wales in the past – but Bellamy will be aiming to qualify automatically.

When the draw is made next month, some of Europe’s superpowers could lie in wait in pot one, and Bellamy believes matches such as last Saturday’s hard-earned draw in Turkey in an intimidating atmosphere will equip his players with the kind of experience they will need to prosper against tough opponents next year.

“You will get stressed when the heat is on, but that will allow us to be able to have a bigger say against these type of teams in the future,” he says.

“This is the type of football team I want us to be, no matter where we go, no matter who the opposition is, we have a big say in games.”