England vs Wales Strategic Breakdown: Bellamy's New Approach Unpacked
The Welsh national team have adjusted their method of play with Bellamy.
By comparing Robert Page’s last dozen matches as coach with Craig Bellamy's opening 12 leading Wales, an obvious difference has been a new approach emphasizing ball control and dominating games with the ball.
The Page Era: Aggressive Football
With Page in charge, Wales' intense style focused on applying high pressure without possession, especially in wide areas, predominantly using a fluid 3-4-3 formation for direct attacks.
Bellamy's Different Style
The new coach has consistently employed a defensive line of four, pushing the team to hold the ball and build attacks in a more prosaic manner.
Statistical Shifts
The change in approach has led to a much greater amount of possession, a more completed passes and a modest drop in how frequently they lose possession high up the pitch.
The team also shows a improved expected goals metric under Bellamy.
The Big Question
Can Bellamy's approach provide Wales a improved likelihood of beating England?
The tactical evolution since the change signifies a significant departure away from Page's methods.
- Higher possession rates
- Slower, methodical attacks
- Fewer losses in advanced areas
- Enhanced scoring probability
