Wales vs England Strategic Breakdown: Craig Bellamy's New Approach Explained
Wales have adjusted their style of play under Bellamy.
By comparing the previous manager's final 12 games in charge with Bellamy's opening 12 leading Wales, an obvious difference is a tactical switch to focus more on ball control and dominating games with the ball.
Under Robert Page: Aggressive Play
With Page in charge, Wales' high-energy approach focused on applying high pressure without possession, mainly in the flanks, mostly employing a flexible 3-4-3 system for direct attacks.
Craig Bellamy's New Direction
Craig Bellamy has only utilized a back four, pushing the team to get on the ball and build attacks more methodically.
Statistical Changes
The new strategy has produced a much greater amount of possession, a more completed passes and a slight reduction in how often they turn the ball over in advanced positions.
The team also shows a improved expected goals metric since Bellamy took over.
Main Talking Point
Can Bellamy's approach offer Wales a greater chance of beating England?
The tactical evolution under Bellamy represents a clear move from Page's methods.
- More ball control
- Deliberate offensive construction
- Reduced high turnovers
- Improved expected goals
