England vs Wales Strategic Breakdown: Bellamy's New Approach Explained
The Welsh national team have changed their approach of football under Bellamy.
Looking at Robert Page’s last dozen matches as coach to Craig Bellamy's first 12 games as Wales head coach, an obvious difference is a strategic change prioritizing ball control and dominating games through possession.
The Page Era: Aggressive Football
With Page in charge, Wales' aggressive tactics centered around pressing aggressively without possession, mainly in wide areas, typically using a flexible 3-4-3 system for direct attacks.
Bellamy's Different Style
Craig Bellamy has so far exclusively used a back four, encouraging his players to get on the ball and develop plays more methodically.
Measurable Shifts
The new strategy has resulted in a significantly increased ball control, a higher tally of passes and a modest drop in how regularly they give the ball away high up the pitch.
Wales also boast a higher expected goals tally with Bellamy.
The Big Question
Will Bellamy's tactics offer Wales a better opportunity of defeating England?
The new approach since the change signifies a clear move away from the old system.
- Increased possession
- Deliberate offensive construction
- Reduced high turnovers
- Better xG numbers
