England vs Wales Tactical Breakdown: Craig Bellamy's Fresh Approach Unpacked
The Welsh national team have adjusted their style of football under their new coach.
Looking at the previous manager's final 12 games in charge with Bellamy's first 12 games as Wales head coach, a noticeable shift has been a strategic change to focus more on possession and dominating games with the ball.
Under Robert Page: Aggressive Play
With Page in charge, Wales' aggressive tactics focused on pressing aggressively off the ball, mainly in wide areas, mostly employing a fluid 3-4-3 formation to attack directly.
Bellamy's Different Style
Bellamy has consistently employed a back four, pushing the team to get on the ball and build attacks more methodically.
Statistical Shifts
The new strategy has led to a much greater amount of possession, a more completed passes and a small decrease in how regularly they give the ball away in attacking areas.
Additionally, Wales displays a improved expected goals metric with Bellamy.
The Big Question
Can Bellamy's approach offer Wales a greater chance of defeating England?
The tactical evolution since the change demonstrates a notable shift away from the old system.
- Increased possession
- More patient build-up
- Less giveaways in attack
- Improved expected goals
