Wales vs England Strategic Breakdown: Bellamy's New Style Explained
Wales have adjusted their approach of football under Craig Bellamy.
Looking at the previous manager's last dozen matches as coach to Craig Bellamy's opening 12 as Wales head coach, one clear change is a tactical switch to focus more on possession and dominating games through possession.
The Page Era: High-Energy Play
During Page's tenure, The Welsh intense style centered around pressing intensely without possession, especially in the wings, typically using a adaptable 3-4-3 setup to push forward aggressively.
Bellamy's Different Style
The new coach has only utilized a back four, encouraging his players to hold the ball and build attacks with greater patience.
Measurable Differences
The new strategy has resulted in a far higher average amount of possession, a more completed passes and a modest drop in how often they turn the ball over high up the pitch.
The team also shows a better xG statistics under Bellamy.
Key Consideration
Can Bellamy's approach provide Wales a better opportunity of overcoming England?
The tactical evolution with the new coach represents a clear move away from Page's methods.
- Higher possession rates
- Deliberate offensive construction
- Less giveaways in attack
- Better xG numbers
