England vs Wales Tactical Analysis: Craig Bellamy's Fresh Style Unpacked
Wales have altered their style of play under their new coach.
Looking at Robert Page’s final 12 games as coach with Craig Bellamy's first 12 games leading Wales, a noticeable shift is a tactical switch emphasizing possession and dominating games through possession.
The Page Era: Aggressive Play
With Page in charge, The Welsh aggressive tactics was based on applying high pressure off the ball, mainly in wide areas, typically using a flexible 3-4-3 system for direct attacks.
Bellamy's Fresh Approach
Craig Bellamy has so far exclusively used a defensive line of four, urging the squad to hold the ball and develop plays in a more prosaic manner.
Measurable Changes
The new strategy has resulted in a significantly increased amount of possession, a more completed passes and a small decrease 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
Do Bellamy's strategies provide Wales a improved likelihood of defeating England?
The new approach under Bellamy demonstrates a significant departure from the old system.
- Increased possession
- Deliberate offensive construction
- Less giveaways in attack
- Improved expected goals
