Wales vs England Strategic Analysis: Bellamy's New Style Explained

The Welsh team in action with Bellamy

Wales have adjusted their method of football under their new coach.

When comparing the previous manager's final 12 games as coach with Craig Bellamy's opening 12 leading Wales, one clear change is a tactical switch emphasizing ball control and dominating games through possession.

The Page Era: Aggressive Football

During Page's tenure, The Welsh high-energy approach centered around pressing aggressively off the ball, particularly in wide areas, typically using a fluid 3-4-3 formation to push forward aggressively.

Craig Bellamy's Different Style

The new coach has so far exclusively used a defensive line of four, urging the squad to hold the ball and construct offensive moves in a more prosaic manner.

Measurable Shifts

The change in approach has resulted in a significantly increased possession rate, a more completed passes and a modest drop in how regularly they give the ball away high up the pitch.

Additionally, Wales displays a improved expected goals metric with Bellamy.

Main Talking Point

Can Bellamy's approach give Wales a greater chance of beating England?

The new approach under Bellamy demonstrates a significant departure away from the old system.

  • More ball control
  • Deliberate offensive construction
  • Fewer losses in advanced areas
  • Better xG numbers
Sherry Johnson
Sherry Johnson

A passionate reader and writer with a deep love for Canadian stories and cultural narratives.