England vs Wales Tactical Breakdown: Craig Bellamy's Fresh Style Unpacked
The Welsh national team have adjusted their method of football with Bellamy.
When comparing Robert Page’s last dozen matches as coach with Bellamy's opening 12 as Wales head coach, an obvious difference is a tactical switch to focus more on possession and controlling matches through possession.
Under Robert Page: High-Energy Football
Under Page, The Welsh intense style centered around applying high pressure without possession, particularly in the flanks, predominantly using a flexible 3-4-3 system to push forward aggressively.
Bellamy's Different Style
Bellamy has consistently employed a defensive line of four, encouraging his players to get on the ball and build attacks more methodically.
Statistical Differences
This tactical shift has produced a significantly increased amount of possession, a increased pass count and a modest drop in how frequently they lose possession high up the pitch.
Wales also boast a improved expected goals metric with Bellamy.
The Big Question
Do Bellamy's strategies give Wales a improved likelihood of beating England?
The strategic changes under Bellamy demonstrates a clear move from the previous regime.
- More ball control
- More patient build-up
- Less giveaways in attack
- Enhanced scoring probability