🔗 Share this article

For Bellingham to hopes to earn his place once again into England’s top team, the smart move to eliminate the dramatics. The way he reacted upon realizing that he was going up after a match of uneven play in the match against Albania fell short of expectations.

"I don’t want to overstate it but I hold to my words 'conduct is crucial' and respect towards the teammates who substitute on," stated Tuchel. "Substitutions happen and you have to accept it when you're on the field."

The midfielder must understand. There was no call for an outburst. Kane had recently scored to make the national team leading by two in a dead rubber match, with only six minutes remaining and Bellingham, after a below-par performance, was just shown a yellow for a foul on the Albanian striker. It was not a debatable decision. Actually it might have been reckless for Tuchel to not substitute him because there was a risk the midfielder would be suspended of the initial fixture of the World Cup by picking up a another booking.

Drawing Attention to Himself

But Bellingham drew all eyes toward himself. There was no disguising the 22-year-old’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 shook Tuchel’s hand on his way to the touchline it was clear that the head coach was displeased.

Here lies the test for Bellingham. He praised his teammate for delivering the cross for the captain to nod home his second goal, but everything else was harmful to his cause. It is not as if complaining was going to change Tuchel’s mind. The coach has stressed repeatedly respecting team hierarchies and the necessity of acting professionally.

Under Scrutiny

The midfielder, left out of last month’s squad, has been under scrutiny since coming back to the team in the current camp. In effect his place has been in question and his actions haven't benefited him by reacting to his substitution as the national team rounded off a flawless qualification run by defeating a tough opposition from the Albanian team.

The System and the Setup

As a result opinions are divided on how England perform optimally when Bellingham plays. The evidence here was not definitive. Some new ideas were tested from Tuchel early on. He has given the team organization and direction in recent months, using a defensive midfielder, a box-to-box player, a No 10 and out-and-out wingers, but there was a different feel versus Albania. Jarell Quansah was given his first cap, Wharton started for the first time at this level and the role of the defender as a makeshift midfielder gave a passing resemblance to Manchester City’s 2023 treble winners.

Mixed Performance

Bellingham had ups and downs. He set up a shot for his teammate after the break but frequently appeared too desperate to impress. Several rushed, misplaced passes. An unnecessary confrontation against an opponent at the beginning. England were ragged for much of the second half. A scoring chance for the opponents came after Bellingham gave the ball away. The yellow card was shown after an opponent took the ball to Broja and brought down the former Chelsea striker.

Squad Strength Shows

In the end England’s depth proved crucial. The coach brought on Phil Foden, who appeared more naturally fitted to the role in which Bellingham operated in the opening period, and the Arsenal winger. Eventually Saka provided a set-piece for the captain to open the scoring. It highlighted that corners and free-kicks are going to be vital at the World Cup.

Relationship Not Broken

However, all talk was about Bellingham. The excellence of Rashford's cross for the second goal was a little lost due to the fuss of the Rogers substitution. When the match concluded, everyone was watching him. Tuchel came over behind him and pushed the player towards the English fans. Their relationship is not damaged. The coach isn't ready to give up on Bellingham yet. But if he is willing to grant him a starring role remains in doubt.