If Jude Bellingham hopes to fight his way into the English strongest squad, the smart move to cut out the unnecessary reactions. The way he reacted upon realizing that he was being shown after an evening of uneven play in Tirana was unacceptable.
"I prefer not to make more out of it but I stick to my words 'behaviour is key' and respect for the players who come in," Tuchel said. "Decisions are made and you must accept them being a professional."
Bellingham has to learn. There was no need for a tantrum. Kane had just put the Three Lions two goals ahead in a meaningless qualifier, with only six minutes remaining and the player, who had not played particularly well, had just been booked for bringing down Armando Broja. This was hardly a controversial substitution. Indeed it would have been unwise for the head coach to not substitute him because there was a risk Bellingham would be suspended of the first match of the World Cup by receiving a second caution.
Turning the Spotlight Upon Himself
However, the player made himself the center of attention. There was no disguising the 22-year-old’s disappointment upon understanding that his replacement was ready for another player. He threw his arms up and although he shook Tuchel’s hand on his way to the touchline it was clear that the manager did not appreciate it.
Here lies the test that Bellingham must overcome. He applauded his teammate for sending in the ball for Kane to score his second goal, but his other actions was self-defeating. It's not like complaining was going to reverse the substitution. The German has stressed repeatedly honoring the team structure and the necessity of showing proper conduct.
Under Scrutiny
Bellingham, omitted from the team last month, is being watched carefully since coming back to the fold recently. Practically he has been on trial and his actions haven't benefited him with his response to his substitution as England completed a perfect qualifying campaign by overcoming a spirited effort from their opponents.
Tactics and Formation
As a result opinions are divided on how the team perform optimally when Bellingham plays. The performance was inconclusive. Tuchel tried new things by the coach early on. Under him, England have gained the squad organization and direction in recent months, employing a defensive midfielder, a box-to-box player, a No 10 and specialist wingers, but it felt different in this match. Jarell Quansah was made his England debut, the midfielder was in the starting lineup internationally and the positioning of Stones as an auxiliary midfielder meant there was passing resemblance to the Manchester club's 2023 treble winners.
Inconsistent Display
His performance was inconsistent. He made a chance for Eze in the latter period but frequently appeared overly eager to shine. Several rushed, misplaced passes. There was a needless bit of aggro with an Albania midfielder in the early stages. England were ragged during most of the second period. An opportunity for Albania came after Bellingham gave the ball away. His booking came after an opponent took the ball from Broja and brought down Broja.
Depth Makes the Difference
In the end England’s depth made the difference. The coach brought on Phil Foden, who appeared more comfortable to the position that Bellingham had played earlier in the match, and Saka. In time Saka delivered a set-piece for Harry Kane to break the deadlock. This served as a reminder that corners and free-kicks will be crucial next summer.
Bridge Still Stands
Still, though, all talk was about Bellingham. The brilliance of Rashford's cross for Kane’s header was a little lost due to the fuss of the substitution incident. At the end, everyone was watching him. Tuchel came over to his side and pushed Bellingham to acknowledge the away supporters. Their relationship is not damaged. Tuchel hasn't decided to discard him at this stage. But if he is willing to give him centre stage is not guaranteed.
