England vs Wales Strategic Breakdown: Craig Bellamy's New Style Unpacked
The Welsh national team have adjusted their method of football under Craig Bellamy.
Looking at Robert Page’s final 12 games as coach with Craig Bellamy's opening 12 as Wales head coach, a noticeable shift is a strategic change emphasizing ball control and dominating games through possession.
Under Robert Page: High-Energy Football
During Page's tenure, The Welsh intense style focused on pressing aggressively without possession, mainly in the flanks, typically using a adaptable 3-4-3 setup to attack directly.
Craig Bellamy's Different Style
The new coach has so far exclusively used a four-man defense, encouraging his players to hold the ball and construct offensive moves more methodically.
Measurable Changes
This tactical shift has resulted in a much greater amount of possession, a more completed passes and a small decrease in how frequently they lose possession high up the pitch.
Additionally, Wales displays a improved expected goals metric with Bellamy.
Main Talking Point
Will Bellamy's tactics offer Wales a better opportunity of beating England?
The tactical evolution with the new coach represents a significant departure away from the old system.
- More ball control
- Slower, methodical attacks
- Reduced high turnovers
- Enhanced scoring probability
