Wales vs England Strategic Breakdown: Craig Bellamy's New Style Unpacked
Wales have changed their method of play with their new coach.
By comparing the previous manager's last dozen matches as coach to Bellamy's first 12 games leading Wales, an obvious difference has been a strategic change to focus more on possession and controlling matches with the ball.
Under Robert Page: High-Energy Play
Under Page, The Welsh intense style focused on applying high pressure without possession, mainly in the wings, mostly employing a fluid 3-4-3 formation to attack directly.
Craig Bellamy's Different Style
The new coach has so far exclusively used a defensive line of four, urging the squad to maintain possession and construct offensive moves in a more prosaic manner.
Measurable Shifts
This tactical shift has produced a significantly increased ball control, a more completed passes and a slight reduction in how frequently they lose possession high up the pitch.
Additionally, Wales displays a higher expected goals tally with Bellamy.
Key Consideration
Do Bellamy's strategies provide Wales a greater chance of overcoming England?
The strategic changes since the change represents a notable shift away from the previous regime.
- More ball control
- Slower, methodical attacks
- Fewer losses in advanced areas
- Better xG numbers
