🔗 Share this article

If Jude Bellingham aims to earn his place back into England’s top team, it would be smart to cut out the dramatics. His response upon realizing that the substitute board was about to come up after a match of inconsistency in Tirana was not good enough.

"I don’t want to blow it out of proportion but I stand by my words 'conduct is crucial' and respect for the squad members who come in," Tuchel said. "Substitutions happen and you must accept them as a player."

There is a lesson for Bellingham. There was no need for a tantrum. The captain had just put the Three Lions 2-0 up in an inconsequential fixture, there were six minutes left and he, following an inconsistent display, received a caution for a foul on an opponent. This was hardly a controversial substitution. In fact it would have been foolish for the head coach to keep Bellingham on the pitch considering there was a risk he would be suspended of the initial fixture of the tournament by getting a second yellow card.

Drawing Attention Upon Himself

But Bellingham made himself the center of attention. It was impossible to miss the 22-year-old’s disappointment as he realized that he was going to make way for Morgan Rogers. He threw his arms up and while he accepted the coach's hand while heading to the touchline there was no doubt that the manager was not impressed.

This represents the hurdle facing Bellingham. He applauded his teammate for sending in the ball for the captain to score the team's second, but the rest was counterproductive. It is not as if complaining was going to alter the decision. The German has stressed repeatedly following squad protocols and the value of acting professionally.

Facing Examination

Bellingham, omitted from the team last month, has been under scrutiny after returning to the squad in the current camp. Essentially his place has been in question and he has not done himself any favours by reacting to coming off the pitch as the national team wrapped up a ideal group stage by overcoming a tough opposition from Albania.

The System and the Setup

It means it's unclear on if England perform optimally including Bellingham. What we saw was inconclusive. Tuchel tried new things from the manager early on. Under him, England have gained the team organization and direction over the past few matches, employing a No 6, a No 8, a No 10 and dedicated wide players, but the approach changed against Albania. The young defender was given his first cap, the midfielder was in the starting lineup internationally and the role of Stones as an auxiliary midfielder created a passing resemblance to the Manchester club's 2023 treble winners.

Mixed Performance

Bellingham had ups and downs. He created an opportunity for Eberechi Eze in the latter period but at times seemed too desperate to impress. He made many hurried and errant passes. A pointless clash against an opponent in the early stages. England were ragged after halftime. A scoring chance for the opponents came after Bellingham squandered possession. The yellow card was shown after he lost the ball from Broja and fouled Broja.

Squad Strength Shows

Finally the bench quality was decisive. The coach brought on the Manchester City player, who looked better suited to the position occupied by Bellingham in the opening period, and Saka. In time Saka whipped in a set-piece for the captain to break the deadlock. This served as a reminder that dead-ball situations will play a key role next summer.

Relationship Not Broken

However, the focus was on Bellingham. The brilliance of the winger's delivery for the second goal was partly forgotten due to the fuss of the player change. After the final whistle, all eyes were on the midfielder. Tuchel came over behind him and pushed the player in the direction of the travelling England fans. The bond between them remains intact. Tuchel is not willing to discard him at this stage. Yet whether Tuchel is inclined to offer him the central position is not guaranteed.