England vs Wales Tactical Breakdown: Bellamy's New Approach Explained
Wales have changed their method of play with Craig Bellamy.
When comparing Robert Page’s final 12 games in charge with Bellamy's opening 12 as Wales head coach, one clear change is a strategic change to focus more on ball control and dominating games through possession.
Under Robert Page: High-Energy Play
With Page in charge, Wales' aggressive tactics centered around pressing intensely off the ball, mainly in the wings, typically using a fluid 3-4-3 formation to push forward aggressively.
Bellamy's New Direction
Craig Bellamy has only utilized a back four, encouraging his players to maintain possession and build attacks in a more prosaic manner.
Statistical Differences
The change in approach has led to a significantly increased possession rate, a higher tally of passes and a modest drop in how frequently they lose possession in attacking areas.
Wales also boast a improved expected goals metric under Bellamy.
The Big Question
Can Bellamy's approach offer Wales a better opportunity of defeating England?
The new approach since the change demonstrates a significant departure from Page's methods.
- Increased possession
- More patient build-up
- Reduced high turnovers
- Better xG numbers
