England vs Wales Tactical Analysis: Bellamy's Fresh Style Explained
The Welsh national team have adjusted their method of football with Craig Bellamy.
When comparing Robert Page’s final 12 games as coach to Craig Bellamy's opening 12 as Wales head coach, one clear change is a strategic change prioritizing possession and controlling matches through possession.
Under Robert Page: High-Energy Play
With Page in charge, Wales' intense style focused on pressing aggressively off the ball, particularly in the wings, typically using a flexible 3-4-3 system to push forward aggressively.
Bellamy's Different Style
Craig Bellamy has only utilized a defensive line of four, urging the squad to get on the ball and develop plays in a more prosaic manner.
Measurable Shifts
This tactical shift has produced a far higher average amount of possession, a more completed passes and a modest drop in how frequently they lose possession in advanced positions.
Wales also boast a improved expected goals metric since Bellamy took over.
Key Consideration
Do Bellamy's strategies offer Wales a greater chance of overcoming England?
The strategic changes under Bellamy signifies a clear move away from the previous regime.
- Higher possession rates
- Slower, methodical attacks
- Fewer losses in advanced areas
- Enhanced scoring probability
