🔗 Share this article

If Jude Bellingham hopes to force his way into England’s top team, he would be wise to cut out the unnecessary reactions. The way he reacted after noticing that his number was being shown after a match of uneven play in the match against Albania was not good enough.

"I don’t want to make more out of it but I stand by my words 'attitude matters' and consideration for the players who enter the game," Tuchel said. "Choices are taken and you must accept them being a professional."

Bellingham has to learn. There was no call for a strop. Harry Kane had only moments earlier made it the Three Lions 2-0 up in an inconsequential qualifier, with only six minutes remaining and Bellingham, who had not played particularly well, had just been booked for bringing down the Albanian striker. It was not a controversial substitution. Indeed it might have been reckless for Tuchel to keep Bellingham on the pitch because it was possible he would be suspended of the initial fixture of the tournament by receiving a second yellow card.

Drawing Attention Upon Himself

However, the player made himself the center of attention. No one could overlook the young midfielder's annoyance upon understanding that he was going to make way for a teammate. He flung his arms in the air and even though he accepted the coach's hand after making his way to the sideline it was obvious that the head coach was displeased.

This represents the hurdle that Bellingham must overcome. He applauded Rashford for providing the assist for Kane to score his second of the night, but his other actions was counterproductive. It is not as if complaining was going to alter the decision. Tuchel has talked so much about respecting team hierarchies and the importance of behaving correctly.

Facing Examination

Bellingham, left out of the previous squad, has been under scrutiny since coming back to the team in the current camp. Practically he has been on trial and he has not done himself any favours by reacting to coming off the pitch as the side wrapped up a ideal group stage by overcoming a spirited effort from their opponents.

The Coach's Plan

This implies it's unclear on how the team function at their best when Bellingham plays. The performance was not definitive. Tuchel tried new things by the coach in the beginning. Under him, England have gained England structure and clarity in recent months, using a No 6, a box-to-box player, an attacking midfielder and out-and-out wingers, but there was a different feel against Albania. Jarell Quansah was given his first cap, Wharton made his first start at this level and the role of Stones as an auxiliary midfielder created a similar look to the Manchester club's historic treble-winning side.

A Game of Two Halves

His performance was inconsistent. He set up a shot for Eze after the break but at times seemed trying too hard. Several poorly executed passes. A pointless clash against an opponent at the beginning. England's play was messy for much of the second half. One Albania chance followed Bellingham squandered possession. The yellow card came after an opponent took the ball to Broja and fouled the attacker.

Substitutes Decide

Finally the bench quality was decisive. The coach brought on Phil Foden, who looked more comfortable to the role in which Bellingham operated during the first half, and the Arsenal winger. Later Saka whipped in a set-piece for Kane to open the scoring. It highlighted that corners and free-kicks will be crucial at the World Cup.

Relationship Not Broken

Nevertheless, all talk was about Bellingham. The quality of Rashford's cross for Kane's goal was somewhat overlooked due to the fuss of the player change. When the match concluded, everyone was watching the midfielder. The coach approached from behind and directed the player to acknowledge the travelling England fans. Their relationship remains intact. Tuchel hasn't decided to give up on him at this stage. However, whether he is willing to grant him the central position is not guaranteed.