Wales vs England Strategic Analysis: Craig Bellamy's New Style Unpacked
The Welsh national team have altered their approach of play with their new coach.
When comparing Robert Page’s last dozen matches as coach with Craig Bellamy's opening 12 leading Wales, a noticeable shift is a new approach prioritizing possession and controlling matches with the ball.
Under Robert Page: Aggressive Play
With Page in charge, Wales' intense style was based on pressing aggressively without possession, especially in wide areas, typically using a adaptable 3-4-3 setup to attack directly.
Bellamy's Different Style
Craig Bellamy has so far exclusively used a four-man defense, pushing the team to maintain possession and build attacks more methodically.
Measurable Differences
The new strategy has led to a much greater possession rate, a increased pass count and a modest drop in how frequently they lose possession in attacking areas.
Wales also boast a improved expected goals metric since Bellamy took over.
The Big Question
Will Bellamy's tactics give Wales a improved likelihood of overcoming England?
The strategic changes since the change represents a clear move from the previous regime.
- Increased possession
- Slower, methodical attacks
- Reduced high turnovers
- Better xG numbers