England vs Wales Strategic Analysis: Bellamy's Fresh Approach Unpacked
The Welsh national team have adjusted their style of football with Craig Bellamy.
Looking at Robert Page’s last dozen matches as coach with Craig Bellamy's opening 12 leading Wales, an obvious difference is a strategic change emphasizing possession and dominating games through possession.
The Page Era: Aggressive Play
During Page's tenure, The Welsh intense style was based on pressing intensely off the ball, mainly in wide areas, predominantly using a adaptable 3-4-3 setup to push forward aggressively.
Bellamy's Different Style
The new coach has so far exclusively used a back four, urging the squad to maintain possession and develop plays with greater patience.
Measurable Differences
This tactical shift has resulted in a far higher average ball control, a higher tally of passes and a modest drop in how often they turn the ball over in attacking areas.
Additionally, Wales displays a improved expected goals metric under Bellamy.
Main Talking Point
Do Bellamy's strategies offer Wales a better opportunity of defeating England?
The new approach since the change signifies a clear move from the old system.
- Higher possession rates
- Slower, methodical attacks
- Fewer losses in advanced areas
- Improved expected goals
