England vs Wales Tactical Analysis: Craig Bellamy's Fresh Style Unpacked
The Welsh national team have changed their style of play under Bellamy.
By comparing Robert Page’s final 12 games as coach to Craig Bellamy's first 12 games as Wales head coach, an obvious difference is a strategic change emphasizing possession and dominating games with the ball.
Under Robert Page: High-Energy Football
During Page's tenure, Wales' aggressive tactics centered around pressing aggressively without possession, particularly in the wings, predominantly using a flexible 3-4-3 system to push forward aggressively.
Craig Bellamy's Fresh Approach
Craig Bellamy has only utilized a defensive line of four, pushing the team to maintain possession and develop plays more methodically.
Measurable Differences
The change in approach has produced a far higher average possession rate, a higher tally of passes and a slight reduction in how often they turn the ball over in advanced positions.
Additionally, Wales displays a better xG statistics with Bellamy.
Key Consideration
Do Bellamy's strategies provide Wales a improved likelihood of defeating England?
The tactical evolution since the change signifies a significant departure from Page's methods.
- Increased possession
- More patient build-up
- Reduced high turnovers
- Enhanced scoring probability
