England vs Wales Strategic Breakdown: Bellamy's Fresh Approach Explained
The Welsh national team have adjusted their approach of play under their new coach.
Looking at the previous manager's last dozen matches as coach with Bellamy's opening 12 leading Wales, one clear change is a tactical switch to focus more on ball control and dominating games with the ball.
The Page Era: Aggressive Football
During Page's tenure, The Welsh high-energy approach centered around applying high pressure without possession, particularly in the wings, mostly employing a flexible 3-4-3 system to push forward aggressively.
Bellamy's Fresh Approach
Bellamy has consistently employed a defensive line of four, urging the squad to hold the ball and construct offensive moves in a more prosaic manner.
Measurable Differences
The new strategy has resulted in a much greater possession rate, a higher tally of passes and a modest drop in how regularly they give the ball away high up the pitch.
Wales also boast a improved expected goals metric since Bellamy took over.
Main Talking Point
Can Bellamy's approach give Wales a better opportunity of overcoming England?
The tactical evolution under Bellamy represents a notable shift from the old system.
- More ball control
- Slower, methodical attacks
- Less giveaways in attack
- Better xG numbers
