England vs Wales Tactical Analysis: Craig Bellamy's New Approach Unpacked
Wales have changed their method of football with Craig Bellamy.
Looking at the previous manager's final 12 games in charge with Craig Bellamy's opening 12 as Wales head coach, a noticeable shift has been a strategic change to focus more on ball control and controlling matches with the ball.
The Page Era: Aggressive Football
With Page in charge, Wales' intense style was based on applying high pressure off the ball, particularly in wide areas, predominantly using a fluid 3-4-3 formation to attack directly.
Craig Bellamy's New Direction
Bellamy has consistently employed a four-man defense, encouraging his players to get on the ball and develop plays with greater patience.
Measurable Shifts
The change in approach has produced a significantly increased amount of possession, a more completed passes and a slight reduction in how frequently they lose possession high up the pitch.
The team also shows a improved expected goals metric with Bellamy.
The Big Question
Can Bellamy's approach provide Wales a better opportunity of beating England?
The strategic changes under Bellamy signifies a notable shift away from Page's methods.
- More ball control
- More patient build-up
- Less giveaways in attack
- Improved expected goals