England vs Wales Tactical Analysis: Bellamy's New Approach Unpacked
Wales have changed their method of football with their new coach.
Looking at Robert Page’s final 12 games in charge to Bellamy's opening 12 as Wales head coach, an obvious difference has been a new approach emphasizing possession and controlling matches through possession.
Under Robert Page: High-Energy Football
With Page in charge, The Welsh intense style centered around applying high pressure off the ball, mainly in the flanks, mostly employing a flexible 3-4-3 system to push forward aggressively.
Craig Bellamy's New Direction
Craig Bellamy has only utilized a four-man defense, pushing the team to hold the ball and develop plays in a more prosaic manner.
Measurable Differences
The new strategy has resulted in a much greater possession rate, a more completed passes and a small decrease in how regularly they give the ball away in advanced positions.
Additionally, Wales displays a improved expected goals metric with Bellamy.
Key Consideration
Can Bellamy's approach give Wales a improved likelihood of overcoming England?
The new approach with the new coach demonstrates a significant departure from Page's methods.
- Higher possession rates
- Slower, methodical attacks
- Fewer losses in advanced areas
- Better xG numbers
