England vs Wales Strategic Breakdown: Bellamy's Fresh Approach Unpacked
Wales have changed their method of football with Craig Bellamy.
Looking at Robert Page’s last dozen matches in charge with Bellamy's opening 12 leading Wales, a noticeable shift has been a strategic change to focus more on ball control and controlling matches with the ball.
Under Robert Page: High-Energy Play
Under Page, The Welsh aggressive tactics was based on pressing intensely without possession, mainly in the wings, typically using a adaptable 3-4-3 setup to push forward aggressively.
Bellamy's Fresh Approach
The new coach has only utilized a defensive line of four, encouraging his players to hold the ball and construct offensive moves in a more prosaic manner.
Measurable Shifts
This tactical shift has produced a much greater ball control, a increased pass count and a slight reduction in how often they turn the ball over high up the pitch.
Additionally, Wales displays a higher expected goals tally under Bellamy.
Main Talking Point
Do Bellamy's strategies offer Wales a better opportunity of beating England?
The strategic changes under Bellamy signifies a clear move away from the old system.
- Higher possession rates
- Slower, methodical attacks
- Fewer losses in advanced areas
- Improved expected goals
