England vs Wales Strategic Breakdown: Craig Bellamy's New Approach Explained
The Welsh national team have adjusted their method of play with Craig Bellamy.
When comparing the previous manager's final 12 games as coach with Bellamy's first 12 games leading Wales, an obvious difference is a tactical switch prioritizing possession and dominating games through possession.
Under Robert Page: Aggressive Play
Under Page, The Welsh aggressive tactics centered around pressing intensely without possession, especially in wide areas, predominantly using a fluid 3-4-3 formation to push forward aggressively.
Craig Bellamy's New Direction
The new coach has so far exclusively used a defensive line of four, pushing the team to maintain possession and construct offensive moves more methodically.
Measurable Shifts
The change in approach 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 high up the pitch.
Wales also boast a better xG statistics with Bellamy.
The Big Question
Do Bellamy's strategies give Wales a better opportunity of overcoming England?
The new approach since the change demonstrates a clear move away from the previous regime.
- Higher possession rates
- Slower, methodical attacks
- Less giveaways in attack
- Better xG numbers
