After the numbing pain of England’s utterly dominant 3-0 victory in Thursday night’s friendly at Wembley, now comes the more important matter of World Cup qualification.
For Wales striker Moore, the meeting with Belgium represents another milestone in a career that has rarely followed the conventional path – and, as he insists, one that has been reignited by his move to Wrexham.
“It’s definitely given me a boost,” Moore says with a grin, reflecting on his start to life in North Wales.
“When I joined Wrexham I said I wanted to get off to a good start, and I’ve managed to do that. I’m loving it — doing well for Wrexham, doing well for Wales. It’s everything I wanted.”
At 33, Moore has become a symbol of perseverance.
From his beginnings as a non-league striker and part-time lifeguard, to Premier League football and now a starring role in one of the UK’s most-watched clubs, the towering forward’s journey has been extraordinary.
Yet his latest chapter at Wrexham — the club brought global fame by Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney — may be the one that defines the twilight of his international career.
“When Wrexham came knocking, that was it for me,” he explains.
“I said to my family, my wife, my agency — I needed to be somewhere that would bring out the best in me, especially in a World Cup season.
“I wanted to be in the best headspace possible. As soon as Wrexham showed interest, I knew it was right.”
Moore’s decision to swap the Premier League with Bournemouth, firstly for Sheffield United and then for the newly-promoted Championship side Wrexham raised eyebrows in some quarters.
But the move, he insists, was about rhythm and relevance.
“There’s nothing better than playing game after game,” he says.
“At Bournemouth, I wasn’t getting that chance, and that definitely played a part. When you get that consistency and match fitness, it all builds — confidence, sharpness, belief. And that’s showing now for both club and country.”
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He has already hit the ground running in the red of Wrexham, scoring vital goals while embracing the unique glare of life at the world’s most-watched lower-league club.
“It’s definitely different,” Moore says.
“With all the cameras and the attention, there’s more pressure. But I love that feeling — the responsibility.
“The owners are incredible guys, really genuine. Ryan’s been in a couple of times and Rob’s messaged me. To be part of something with that energy is amazing.”
That renewed belief could hardly come at a better time for Wales.
Monday’s World Cup qualifier against Belgium is crucial, with Craig Bellamy’s side looking to recover from June’s 4-3 defeat in Brussels — a match that saw Wales produce a remarkable comeback from 3-0 down before Kevin De Bruyne’s late winner broke their hearts.
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With automatic qualification still within reach, momentum at home could be decisive.
Bellamy has been quick to point out the benefits of scheduling the England friendly on a Thursday night, giving his players more recovery time compared to Belgium, who face North Macedonia on Friday.
The visitors, still inspired by the brilliant De Bruyne, will arrive in Cardiff on shorter rest — something Moore believes Wales can exploit.
“It’s never easy here,” he says of the Cardiff City Stadium.
“The atmosphere the crowd creates — it’s incredible. We can’t thank them enough. People sometimes say the crowd doesn’t make a difference, but trust me, the Red Wall makes a massive difference.”
Moore has made a habit of rising to the occasion against Belgium.
He scored in the 1-1 draw at Cardiff in 2021 and admits that those nights linger fondly in his memory.
“I like scoring against Belgium,” he smiles. “They always seem to be those big moments. That goal at home when we drew 1-1 — it’s definitely one of my favourites.”
As he edges up Wales’s all-time scoring chart — just one behind Robert Earnshaw — Moore has allowed himself the occasional glance at the records.
“Yeah, when I hit 15, I did have a little scroll,” he says.
“I told Earnie he’s next on the list! I had a chat with the gaffer about it too — he said if I get close, he’ll stop playing me! But honestly, I’m just proud of how far I’ve come. Fifty caps, fifteen goals — it’s been an incredible journey. Hopefully there’s more to come.”
That journey has included far more than just football. Away from the pitch, Moore has been studying hard, recently completing a two-year diploma in sport directorship he began while at Bournemouth.
“It was tough, trying to balance it with football and business ventures, but I’m really proud,” he says.
“It opens up doors for what I can do after football — maybe a director’s role, something within a club.
“I’ve always been fascinated by how football clubs are run, especially recruitment. I’ve experienced every level — non-league, League One, Premier League, international football — and that gives you a pretty clear picture of what makes clubs succeed or fail.”
If that sounds like a man planning for the future, he’s quick to point out that he’s not ready for retirement just yet.
“There’s still plenty more I want to achieve — especially with Wales.”
On Monday night, against the familiar foe of Belgium, Moore will once again be at the heart of Wales’s hopes.
“We’ll definitely be watching their game against North Macedonia,” he says.
“We always do when we’re having dinner.
“But it’s about us — our performance, our crowd, our belief. We’ve shown before we can go toe-to-toe with the best.”
