Wales vs England Tactical Breakdown: Craig Bellamy's New Style Unpacked
Wales have changed their method of football with Craig Bellamy.
When comparing the previous manager's final 12 games in charge with Bellamy's first 12 games as Wales head coach, a noticeable shift is a new approach to focus more on ball control and dominating games through possession.
The Page Era: High-Energy Play
With Page in charge, The Welsh aggressive tactics was based on applying high pressure off the ball, mainly in the wings, mostly employing a fluid 3-4-3 formation to attack directly.
Craig Bellamy's New Direction
Craig Bellamy has so far exclusively used a four-man defense, encouraging his players to maintain possession and build attacks more methodically.
Measurable Differences
The change in approach has led to a far higher average ball control, a more completed passes and a slight reduction in how regularly they give the ball away high up the pitch.
The team also shows a better xG statistics with Bellamy.
Main Talking Point
Do Bellamy's strategies offer Wales a improved likelihood of beating England?
The tactical evolution under Bellamy signifies a significant departure away from Page's methods.
- Higher possession rates
- Slower, methodical attacks
- Less giveaways in attack
- Improved expected goals
