Wales vs England Tactical Breakdown: Craig Bellamy's New Style Unpacked
The Welsh national team have altered their style of football with Craig Bellamy.
By comparing Robert Page’s final 12 games as coach to Craig Bellamy's first 12 games leading Wales, an obvious difference is a new approach to focus more on ball control and controlling matches through possession.
The Page Era: Aggressive Football
During Page's tenure, Wales' high-energy approach focused on applying high pressure off the ball, especially in the flanks, predominantly using a adaptable 3-4-3 setup to push forward aggressively.
Craig Bellamy's New Direction
The new coach has only utilized a defensive line of four, pushing the team to maintain possession and build attacks in a more prosaic manner.
Statistical Shifts
This tactical shift has resulted in 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 higher expected goals tally with Bellamy.
The Big Question
Will Bellamy's tactics offer Wales a improved likelihood of overcoming England?
The new approach since the change demonstrates a significant departure from the previous regime.
- Higher possession rates
- Slower, methodical attacks
- Fewer losses in advanced areas
- Improved expected goals
