Wales vs England Strategic Analysis: Craig Bellamy's New Style Explained
Wales have adjusted their approach of football with Craig Bellamy.
Looking at the previous manager's last dozen matches in charge to Craig Bellamy's opening 12 leading Wales, a noticeable shift is a strategic change emphasizing possession and controlling matches with the ball.
Under Robert Page: High-Energy Football
With Page in charge, Wales' high-energy approach was based on pressing aggressively off the ball, mainly in the flanks, predominantly using a fluid 3-4-3 formation to push forward aggressively.
Bellamy's Fresh Approach
Craig Bellamy has consistently employed a four-man defense, encouraging his players to maintain possession and develop plays with greater patience.
Measurable Changes
The change in approach has resulted in a far higher average 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 under Bellamy.
Main Talking Point
Can Bellamy's approach provide Wales a improved likelihood of beating England?
The tactical evolution since the change signifies a notable shift away from the previous regime.
- Higher possession rates
- More patient build-up
- Less giveaways in attack
- Improved expected goals
