Wales vs England Tactical Analysis: Bellamy's New Style Unpacked
Wales have adjusted their approach of play with Bellamy.
Looking at Robert Page’s final 12 games as coach with Craig Bellamy's first 12 games as Wales head coach, one clear change is a tactical switch emphasizing ball control and dominating games through possession.
The Page Era: Aggressive Play
With Page in charge, Wales' aggressive tactics focused on pressing aggressively without possession, mainly in wide areas, mostly employing a flexible 3-4-3 system to attack directly.
Craig Bellamy's New Direction
Craig Bellamy has so far exclusively used a four-man defense, encouraging his players to maintain possession and build attacks more methodically.
Statistical Differences
This tactical shift has resulted in a far higher average ball control, a more completed passes and a small decrease in how frequently they lose possession high up the pitch.
The team also shows a improved expected goals metric under Bellamy.
Main Talking Point
Do Bellamy's strategies provide Wales a improved likelihood of beating England?
The new approach since the change signifies a significant departure from the previous regime.
- Higher possession rates
- Slower, methodical attacks
- Fewer losses in advanced areas
- Enhanced scoring probability
