Wales vs England Tactical Breakdown: Bellamy's Fresh Approach Unpacked
Wales have altered their method of play with their new coach.
By comparing the previous manager's last dozen matches as coach to Craig Bellamy's first 12 games as Wales head coach, an obvious difference is a strategic change to focus more on possession and dominating games through possession.
The Page Era: Aggressive Football
During Page's tenure, Wales' aggressive tactics centered around applying high pressure without possession, especially in wide areas, predominantly using a fluid 3-4-3 formation to attack directly.
Craig Bellamy's Fresh Approach
The new coach has only utilized a defensive line of four, urging the squad to maintain possession and build attacks with greater patience.
Statistical Differences
The change in approach has resulted in a significantly increased possession rate, a higher tally of passes and a slight reduction in how often they turn the ball over high up the pitch.
Additionally, Wales displays a higher expected goals tally since Bellamy took over.
Main Talking Point
Will Bellamy's tactics offer Wales a better opportunity of overcoming England?
The strategic changes since the change demonstrates a clear move from Page's methods.
- Increased possession
- Slower, methodical attacks
- Fewer losses in advanced areas
- Better xG numbers
