🔗 Share this article

For Bellingham to wants to force his way back into England’s top team, it would be smart to cut out the unnecessary reactions. His reaction when he saw that the substitute board was about to come up after a match of inconsistency in the match against Albania was not good enough.

"I don’t want to overstate it but I stick to my words 'attitude matters' and respect towards the squad members who enter the game," Tuchel said. "Decisions are made and you must accept them when you're on the field."

The midfielder must understand. There was no call for a tantrum. The captain had just put the national team 2-0 up in an inconsequential match, with only six minutes remaining and he, after a below-par performance, received a caution for fouling the Albanian striker. This was hardly a debatable decision. Indeed it would have been foolish for the head coach to not substitute him given that there was a chance the midfielder would be suspended of the opening game of the World Cup by getting a second yellow card.

Turning the Spotlight to Himself

Yet Bellingham drew all eyes toward himself. It was impossible to miss the 22-year-old’s annoyance as he realized that he would be substituted for a teammate. He flung his arms in the air and while he shook Tuchel’s hand while heading to the sideline it was clear that the head coach did not appreciate it.

Here lies the test facing Bellingham. He applauded Rashford for sending in the ball for Kane to nod home his second of the night, but everything else was counterproductive. There was no chance arguing was going to reverse the substitution. Tuchel has repeatedly emphasized following squad protocols and the value of acting professionally.

In the Spotlight

Bellingham, omitted from last month’s squad, has been under scrutiny upon his return to the team in the current camp. In effect his place has been in question and he hasn't helped his case by reacting to being taken off as the side completed a perfect qualifying campaign by overcoming a spirited effort from the Albanian team.

The Coach's Plan

As a result opinions are divided on whether England perform optimally including Bellingham. The performance was open to interpretation. Tuchel tried new things by the coach at the start. He has given the squad organization and direction lately, employing a holding player, a box-to-box player, a playmaker and specialist wingers, but there was a different feel in this match. Jarell Quansah was made his England debut, Adam Wharton started for the first time for England and the role of John Stones as a makeshift midfielder created a faint echo to Manchester City’s 2023 treble winners.

Inconsistent Display

Bellingham had ups and downs. He made a chance for Eze during the second half but often looked trying too hard. Several poorly executed passes. An unnecessary confrontation with a rival player at the beginning. England were ragged after halftime. An opportunity for Albania followed Bellingham squandered possession. The yellow card was shown after he was dispossessed by Broja and brought down the attacker.

Squad Strength Shows

In the end the squad's strength was decisive. The coach brought on Foden, who appeared more naturally fitted to the spot that Bellingham had played in the opening period, and Bukayo Saka. Later Saka provided a set-piece for Kane to score the first goal. It was a reminder that corners and free-kicks will be crucial in the upcoming tournament.

Bridge Still Stands

Nevertheless, Bellingham was the story. The brilliance of Rashford's cross for Kane’s header was a little lost due to the fuss of the Rogers substitution. At the end, the focus was on Bellingham. Tuchel came over to his side and pushed Bellingham towards the English fans. Their connection is not broken. Tuchel is not willing to discard the player just yet. However, whether Tuchel is inclined to offer him a starring role is not guaranteed.