Wales vs England Strategic Breakdown: Craig Bellamy's Fresh Approach Explained
The Welsh national team have adjusted their style of play under Bellamy.
By comparing Robert Page’s last dozen matches as coach with Craig Bellamy's opening 12 as Wales head coach, a noticeable shift is a tactical switch emphasizing ball control and controlling matches through possession.
The Page Era: High-Energy Play
During Page's tenure, The Welsh intense style focused on pressing aggressively without possession, especially in the wings, predominantly using a fluid 3-4-3 formation for direct attacks.
Craig Bellamy's Fresh Approach
Bellamy has so far exclusively used a defensive line of four, pushing the team to get on the ball and construct offensive moves in a more prosaic manner.
Measurable Changes
This tactical shift has resulted in a far higher average possession rate, a higher tally of passes and a modest drop in how frequently they lose possession in advanced positions.
Additionally, Wales displays a improved expected goals metric since Bellamy took over.
Main Talking Point
Will Bellamy's tactics give Wales a improved likelihood of defeating England?
The strategic changes under Bellamy demonstrates a significant departure from the old system.
- Increased possession
- Slower, methodical attacks
- Fewer losses in advanced areas
- Improved expected goals
