Wales vs England Tactical Analysis: Craig Bellamy's New Approach Explained

By comparing Robert Page’s final 12 games as coach to Craig Bellamy's first 12 games as Wales head coach, an obvious difference has been a tactical switch prioritizing possession and controlling matches through possession.

The Page Era: Aggressive Football

With Page in charge, Wales' aggressive tactics was based on applying high pressure without possession, mainly in the flanks, predominantly using a flexible 3-4-3 system for direct attacks.

Bellamy's Different Style

The new coach has consistently employed a four-man defense, pushing the team to maintain possession and construct offensive moves more methodically.

Measurable Shifts

This tactical shift has resulted in a much greater ball control, a higher tally of 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 with Bellamy.

Main Talking Point

Can Bellamy's approach give Wales a better opportunity of overcoming England?

The strategic changes since the change represents a significant departure from Page's methods.

• Increased possession
• Slower, methodical attacks
• Less giveaways in attack
• Better xG numbers