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

Looking at Robert Page’s last dozen matches as coach with Craig Bellamy's opening 12 leading Wales, a noticeable shift is a strategic change emphasizing possession and controlling matches with the ball.

The Page Era: High-Energy Play

With Page in charge, Wales' aggressive tactics centered around pressing intensely without possession, particularly in the flanks, mostly employing a adaptable 3-4-3 setup to push forward aggressively.

Bellamy's New Direction

The new coach has only utilized a back four, pushing the team to hold the ball and develop plays more methodically.

Measurable Differences

The change in approach has produced a significantly increased ball control, a more completed passes and a small decrease in how regularly they give the ball away in attacking areas.

Wales also boast a improved expected goals metric since Bellamy took over.

The Big Question

Do Bellamy's strategies give Wales a greater chance of defeating England?

The strategic changes since the change demonstrates a clear move from the previous regime.

• Increased possession
• More patient build-up
• Fewer losses in advanced areas
• Improved expected goals