England vs Wales Strategic Breakdown: Bellamy's New Style Unpacked
Wales have altered their method of play under Craig Bellamy.
When comparing Robert Page’s last dozen matches as coach with Bellamy's first 12 games leading Wales, one clear change has been a tactical switch emphasizing possession and dominating games through possession.
Under Robert Page: High-Energy Play
With Page in charge, Wales' aggressive tactics focused on pressing aggressively off the ball, particularly in the flanks, typically using a flexible 3-4-3 system to attack directly.
Bellamy's New Direction
The new coach has so far exclusively used a four-man defense, urging the squad to maintain possession and build attacks in a more prosaic manner.
Statistical Shifts
The new strategy has led to a far higher average amount of possession, a higher tally of passes and a slight reduction in how regularly they give the ball away in attacking areas.
The team also shows a improved expected goals metric since Bellamy took over.
Key Consideration
Can Bellamy's approach give Wales a greater chance of overcoming England?
The strategic changes since the change represents a significant departure away from the previous regime.
- More ball control
- Deliberate offensive construction
- Less giveaways in attack
- Better xG numbers
