England vs Wales Tactical Breakdown: Bellamy's New Style Explained
The Welsh national team have changed their style of play with Bellamy.
When comparing the previous manager's last dozen matches as coach with Bellamy's first 12 games leading Wales, an obvious difference has been a strategic change to focus more on ball control and controlling matches with the ball.
Under Robert Page: Aggressive Play
During Page's tenure, The Welsh high-energy approach was based on pressing aggressively off the ball, mainly in the flanks, predominantly using a fluid 3-4-3 formation for direct attacks.
Bellamy's Fresh Approach
Craig Bellamy has only utilized a four-man defense, encouraging his players to get on the ball and construct offensive moves with greater patience.
Statistical Shifts
The change in approach has produced a much greater amount of possession, a more completed passes and a small decrease in how frequently they lose possession high up the pitch.
The team also shows a improved expected goals metric under Bellamy.
Key Consideration
Will Bellamy's tactics give Wales a greater chance of defeating England?
The new approach under Bellamy represents a notable shift away from the old system.
- More ball control
- More patient build-up
- Less giveaways in attack
- Improved expected goals
