Iceland v Wales: Craig Bellamy and the difficult second camp

There cannot have been many Wales managers who have had their name sung after just one game.

“We’re going to win the World Cup,” chimed the WhatsApp groups and voices in the stands just a few minutes into the Turkey game.

Yes, this was tongue in cheek and, no, they did not really believe that (maybe just a little?) but this felt like an intoxicating glimpse of the future.

The fact that these were only Nations League matches did not matter. This was about enjoying Wales games again – with the tantalising added detail that it might lead to greater achievements again. World Cup qualifying starts in five months.

The style of football was different – daring, purposeful – and so was the language around it.

No mention of transition, no talk of a small nation punching above its weight. This is a group of players capable of big things now.

“I’ve got to be honest, I’m excited,” says Bellamy. “I knew this group was good. I was excited after the first camp and, this camp, it’s gone up again. This is a good group of players we have at the moment.

“I have one eye on the future but also I’m very conscious of the present. It’s important to identify the way we want to… I was going to use the word progress, but no.

“I just want us to create our identity. This is how I see us playing.”

Two games in, that much is clear already.

The next assignment is a progress – mind that word – report against Iceland, followed by a home game with Montenegro on Monday.

After the resounding success of his first camp, Bellamy need not have any worries about a difficult second album, or camp. With a four-year contract taking him up to Euro 2028, the record deal is in the bag.

It is only his employers who might worry that a bigger label might come calling before then.

Until that moment comes, Bellamy could not be more committed to Wales. Tune in and enjoy the wild ride.