Wales vs England Tactical Analysis: Craig Bellamy's Fresh Style Explained
Wales have changed their approach of play with Craig Bellamy.
Looking at Robert Page’s final 12 games in charge to Bellamy's opening 12 leading Wales, an obvious difference is a new approach prioritizing possession and dominating games through possession.
Under Robert Page: Aggressive Football
With Page in charge, The Welsh intense style was based on pressing intensely without possession, particularly in the wings, predominantly using a flexible 3-4-3 system to attack directly.
Craig Bellamy's Fresh Approach
Bellamy has consistently employed a defensive line of four, encouraging his players to hold the ball and construct offensive moves in a more prosaic manner.
Measurable Changes
This tactical shift has produced a far higher average amount of possession, a more completed passes and a modest drop in how often they turn the ball over high up the pitch.
Wales also boast a higher expected goals tally under Bellamy.
Main Talking Point
Will Bellamy's tactics provide Wales a better opportunity of defeating England?
The new approach with the new coach represents a significant departure away from the old system.
- Higher possession rates
- Slower, methodical attacks
- Less giveaways in attack
- Improved expected goals
