Wales vs England Strategic Breakdown: Craig Bellamy's Fresh Approach Unpacked
Wales have changed their style of football under Bellamy.
By comparing the previous manager's last dozen matches as coach to Craig Bellamy's first 12 games as Wales head coach, one clear change is a strategic change prioritizing possession and dominating games through possession.
The Page Era: Aggressive Football
Under Page, Wales' aggressive tactics focused on pressing intensely off the ball, particularly in the wings, predominantly using a fluid 3-4-3 formation to push forward aggressively.
Bellamy's Different Style
Craig Bellamy has consistently employed a back four, pushing the team to get on the ball and build attacks more methodically.
Measurable Differences
The change in approach has produced a significantly increased ball control, a higher tally of passes and a modest drop in how regularly they give the ball away in attacking areas.
Wales also boast a better xG statistics with Bellamy.
Key Consideration
Do Bellamy's strategies give Wales a improved likelihood of beating England?
The tactical evolution with the new coach demonstrates a significant departure from Page's methods.
- Increased possession
- Deliberate offensive construction
- Less giveaways in attack
- Improved expected goals
