England vs Wales Tactical Breakdown: Bellamy's Fresh Style Explained
Wales have altered their approach of football under Bellamy.
Looking at the previous manager's final 12 games in charge to Bellamy's opening 12 as Wales head coach, an obvious difference is a new approach emphasizing possession and dominating games with the ball.
The Page Era: High-Energy Football
Under Page, The Welsh intense style focused on pressing intensely off the ball, especially in wide areas, mostly employing a adaptable 3-4-3 setup to attack directly.
Bellamy's Different Style
Craig Bellamy has so far exclusively used a back four, encouraging his players to hold the ball and build attacks more methodically.
Statistical Differences
The change in approach has produced a significantly increased amount of possession, a more completed passes and a small decrease in how frequently they lose possession high up the pitch.
Wales also boast a improved expected goals metric under Bellamy.
Key Consideration
Will Bellamy's tactics provide Wales a improved likelihood of beating England?
The strategic changes under Bellamy demonstrates a significant departure from Page's methods.
- Increased possession
- Slower, methodical attacks
- Reduced high turnovers
- Better xG numbers
