West Bromwich Albion began their pre-season preparations in emphatic fashion, securing a commanding 4-1 victory over Bromley in an International Club Friendly on 18 July 2026. Played at the Hawthorns, the match gave fans an early glimpse of the Baggies' attacking fluidity and depth ahead of the new campaign.

Match Overview

West Brom dominated from the opening whistle, controlling possession and creating numerous chances. Bromley, who compete in the National League, showed resilience and managed to pull a goal back, but the gulf in class was evident as Albion's superior quality shone through.

Key Moments

• Early Pressure: West Brom opened the scoring inside the first 15 minutes, capitalising on a defensive mix-up in the Bromley box.
• Quick Double: The Baggies struck twice in quick succession before half-time, effectively killing the contest with a 3-0 lead.
• Bromley Response: The visitors pulled one back early in the second half, giving their travelling support a moment to cheer.
• Sealing the Win: West Brom restored their three-goal cushion midway through the second period, rounding off a comfortable 4-1 scoreline.

Tactical Story

West Brom lined up in a 4-2-3-1, with emphasis on wide play and quick transitions. The full-backs pushed high, creating overloads against Bromley's compact backline. Bromley attempted to sit deep and counter but struggled to keep possession against Albion's aggressive pressing. The Baggies' second goal came directly from a high turnover in midfield.

Standout Players

Albion’s number 10 was particularly influential, registering a goal and an assist. The forward interplay between the attacking midfielders caused constant problems, while the centre-backs looked solid for most of the game. For Bromley, their lone striker worked tirelessly and was rewarded with a well-taken finish.

Season Impact

For West Brom, this friendly serves as an ideal confidence booster. Manager Carlos Corberán will be pleased with the sharpness shown in the final third. Bromley, meanwhile, can take heart from their second-half display against a Championship side, though defensive lapses remain a concern ahead of their own league season.