If Jude Bellingham aims to force his way back into England’s strongest starting eleven, the smart move to cut out the nonsense. The way he reacted upon realizing that the substitute board was about to come up after a match of mixed performance in Tirana was unacceptable.
"I don’t want to blow it out of proportion but I hold to my words 'conduct is crucial' and respect towards the players who substitute on," commented the coach. "Choices are taken and you must accept them being a professional."
Bellingham has to learn. It was unnecessary for a tantrum. Kane had recently scored to make the Three Lions two goals ahead in an inconsequential match, there were six minutes left and Bellingham, after a below-par performance, had just been booked for bringing down the Albanian striker. It was not a debatable decision. Indeed it would have been unwise for Tuchel to leave Bellingham on because there was a risk he would rule himself out of the first match of the World Cup by picking up a second yellow card.
Turning the Spotlight to Himself
But Bellingham made himself the center of attention. No one could overlook the young midfielder's annoyance as he realized that he would be substituted for another player. He threw his arms up and although he shook Tuchel’s hand on his way to the touchline it was obvious that Tuchel was displeased.
This is the challenge facing Bellingham. He congratulated Marcus Rashford for sending in the ball for Harry Kane to score his second of the night, but everything else was harmful to his cause. It's not like arguing was going to change Tuchel’s mind. The coach has stressed repeatedly respecting team hierarchies and the necessity of behaving correctly.
In the Spotlight
The midfielder, left out of the team last month, has faced close inspection since coming back to the fold in the current camp. Practically his place has been in question and he has not done himself any favours with his response to coming off the pitch as England rounded off a flawless qualification run by defeating a spirited effort from Albania.
Tactics and Formation
This implies it's unclear on if the team function at their best including Bellingham. What we saw was not definitive. Tuchel tried new things from Tuchel early on. He has given England organization and direction over the past few matches, building with a No 6, a No 8, a playmaker and specialist wingers, but there was a different feel versus Albania. The young defender was made his England debut, Adam Wharton was in the starting lineup internationally and the use of Stones as a makeshift midfielder meant there was passing resemblance to the Manchester club's 2023 treble winners.
Inconsistent Display
Bellingham was a mixed bag. He created an opportunity for Eze in the latter period but often looked trying too hard. Several hurried and errant passes. A pointless clash against an opponent at the beginning. England were ragged during most of the second period. An opportunity for Albania came after Bellingham squandered possession. The yellow card was shown after he was dispossessed from Broja and fouled the former Chelsea striker.
Depth Makes the Difference
Ultimately the bench quality was decisive. Tuchel threw on the Manchester City player, who looked more comfortable to the role that Bellingham had played during the first half, and Saka. Later Saka provided a corner for Kane to open the scoring. This served as a reminder that corners and free-kicks are going to be vital at the World Cup.
Connection Remains
Nevertheless, Bellingham was the story. The quality of the winger's delivery for Kane's goal was partly forgotten due to the fuss of the substitution incident. After the final whistle, all eyes were on Bellingham. The coach approached to his side and guided Bellingham towards the away supporters. Their relationship is not broken. Tuchel is not willing to abandon the player just yet. Yet whether Tuchel is inclined to give him a starring role remains in doubt.
