England vs Wales Strategic Breakdown: Craig Bellamy's New Style Explained
The Welsh national team have adjusted their style of play under Bellamy.
When comparing the previous manager's last dozen matches as coach with Craig Bellamy's opening 12 as Wales head coach, a noticeable shift is a tactical switch prioritizing possession and dominating games through possession.
Under Robert Page: High-Energy Football
With Page in charge, Wales' high-energy approach centered around pressing aggressively off the ball, especially in the wings, predominantly using a adaptable 3-4-3 setup to push forward aggressively.
Craig Bellamy's New Direction
The new coach has so far exclusively used a back four, urging the squad to maintain possession and build attacks in a more prosaic manner.
Statistical Changes
This tactical shift has led to a much greater ball control, a higher tally of passes and a modest drop in how frequently they lose possession high up the pitch.
Wales also boast a improved expected goals metric under Bellamy.
The Big Question
Can Bellamy's approach offer Wales a improved likelihood of overcoming England?
The new approach since the change represents a notable shift from the old system.
- More ball control
- Deliberate offensive construction
- Less giveaways in attack
- Enhanced scoring probability
