England vs Wales Strategic Analysis: Bellamy's New Approach Explained
Wales have changed their style of play under Bellamy.
By comparing Robert Page’s last dozen matches as coach to Craig Bellamy's first 12 games as Wales head coach, an obvious difference is a strategic change to focus more on possession and dominating games with the ball.
The Page Era: Aggressive Football
With Page in charge, Wales' intense style centered around pressing aggressively without possession, mainly in the wings, predominantly using a adaptable 3-4-3 setup to push forward aggressively.
Bellamy's Different Style
The new coach has so far exclusively used a defensive line of four, encouraging his players to get on the ball and develop plays with greater patience.
Statistical Shifts
This tactical shift has produced a much greater possession rate, a more completed passes and a small decrease in how frequently they lose possession in attacking areas.
Wales also boast a improved expected goals metric with Bellamy.
The Big Question
Will Bellamy's tactics give Wales a better opportunity of beating England?
The new approach since the change represents a clear move from Page's methods.
- More ball control
- Slower, methodical attacks
- Fewer losses in advanced areas
- Enhanced scoring probability