Wales vs England Strategic Breakdown: Craig Bellamy's New Approach Explained
Wales have changed their style of football under their new coach.
By comparing Robert Page’s last dozen matches in charge to Craig Bellamy's first 12 games leading Wales, a noticeable shift is a tactical switch prioritizing ball control and controlling matches with the ball.
The Page Era: Aggressive Football
With Page in charge, The Welsh high-energy approach was based on pressing intensely off the ball, mainly in the flanks, predominantly using a flexible 3-4-3 system for direct attacks.
Bellamy's New Direction
The new coach has consistently employed a back four, urging the squad to get on the ball and develop plays more methodically.
Statistical Differences
This tactical shift has produced a far higher average amount of possession, a higher tally of passes and a slight reduction in how regularly they give the ball away high up the pitch.
The team also shows a better xG statistics with Bellamy.
Main Talking Point
Can Bellamy's approach offer Wales a better opportunity of defeating England?
The new approach with the new coach demonstrates a significant departure away from Page's methods.
- More ball control
- Slower, methodical attacks
- Fewer losses in advanced areas
- Enhanced scoring probability
