Wales vs England Tactical Analysis: Craig Bellamy's New Approach Unpacked
Wales have adjusted their method of football with Bellamy.
By comparing Robert Page’s final 12 games as coach with Bellamy's opening 12 as Wales head coach, one clear change has been a strategic change to focus more on possession and dominating games with the ball.
Under Robert Page: High-Energy Football
Under Page, The Welsh aggressive tactics centered around pressing aggressively off the ball, particularly in wide areas, predominantly using a flexible 3-4-3 system to push forward aggressively.
Craig Bellamy's New Direction
Bellamy has only utilized a four-man defense, encouraging his players to get on the ball and build attacks more methodically.
Measurable Shifts
The new strategy has resulted in a far higher average amount of possession, a increased pass count and a modest drop in how frequently they lose possession in attacking areas.
The team also shows a improved expected goals metric since Bellamy took over.
Main Talking Point
Will Bellamy's tactics provide Wales a greater chance of defeating England?
The tactical evolution with the new coach represents a clear move from Page's methods.
- More ball control
- Deliberate offensive construction
- Fewer losses in advanced areas
- Enhanced scoring probability
