🔗 Share this article

If Jude Bellingham hopes to fight his way once again into England’s strongest starting eleven, the smart move to do away with the unnecessary reactions. His response after noticing that the substitute board was going up after a match of mixed performance in Tirana was unacceptable.

"I’d rather not blow it out of proportion but I stick to my words 'attitude matters' and respect towards the players who come in," Tuchel said. "Substitutions happen and you have to accept it when you're on the field."

Bellingham has to learn. There was no call for a tantrum. Kane had recently scored to make the national team leading by two in an inconsequential match, there were six minutes left and Bellingham, after a below-par performance, had just been booked for a foul on an opponent. It was not a controversial substitution. In fact it would have been foolish for the manager to leave Bellingham on given that it was possible the midfielder would be suspended of the first match of the World Cup by receiving a another booking.

Drawing Attention on Himself

Yet Bellingham drew all eyes toward himself. It was impossible to miss the young midfielder's disappointment upon understanding that he was going to make way for Morgan Rogers. He threw his arms up and while he exchanged a handshake on his way to the sideline it was clear that the manager was not impressed.

This is the challenge facing Bellingham. He congratulated Rashford for delivering the cross for Harry Kane to head in his second of the night, but everything else was harmful to his cause. It's not like protesting was going to change Tuchel’s mind. Tuchel has repeatedly emphasized honoring the team structure and the value of showing proper conduct.

Facing Examination

He, omitted from last month’s squad, is being watched carefully upon his return to the fold recently. Essentially he was being assessed and he hasn't helped his case by reacting to coming off the pitch as the national team completed a perfect qualifying campaign by seeing off a tough opposition from Albania.

Tactics and Formation

It means it's unclear on how the team function at their best when Bellingham plays. The performance was inconclusive. Tuchel tried new things from the manager in the beginning. Under him, England have gained England structure and clarity over the past few matches, employing a defensive midfielder, a No 8, a playmaker and dedicated wide players, but the approach changed against Albania. The young defender was given his first cap, Wharton was in the starting lineup at this level and the positioning of Stones as a part-time midfielder meant there was faint echo to City's team that won three trophies.

Mixed Performance

His performance was inconsistent. He made a chance for Eze during the second half but frequently appeared too desperate to impress. Several poorly executed passes. There was a needless bit of aggro with an Albania midfielder in the early stages. The team looked disjointed after halftime. An opportunity for Albania followed he lost the ball cheaply. His booking was shown after he was dispossessed to Broja and brought down the attacker.

Squad Strength Shows

Ultimately England’s depth proved crucial. Tuchel threw on Phil Foden, who appeared more naturally fitted to the role that Bellingham had played during the first half, and Bukayo Saka. In time Saka whipped in a corner kick for Kane to score the first goal. This served as a reminder that dead-ball situations are going to be vital next summer.

Bridge Still Stands

Still, though, all talk was about Bellingham. The brilliance of the winger's delivery for the second goal was somewhat overlooked in the ridiculousness of the Rogers substitution. At the end, all eyes were on him. The coach approached to his side and directed Bellingham in the direction of the away supporters. The bond between them is not damaged. Tuchel is not willing to discard the player just yet. Yet whether he is willing to grant him the central position is not guaranteed.