If Jude Bellingham aims to force his way once again into the English strongest squad, he would be wise to do away with the unnecessary reactions. The way he reacted when he saw that the substitute board was about to come up after an evening of inconsistency in the match against Albania was unacceptable.
"I’d rather not make more out of it but I hold to my words 'attitude matters' and consideration for the players who come in," commented the coach. "Substitutions happen and you need to comply as a player."
The midfielder must understand. There was no call for a tantrum. Harry Kane had recently scored to make England leading by two in a meaningless qualifier, with only six minutes remaining and Bellingham, following an inconsistent display, was just shown a yellow for fouling Armando Broja. This was hardly a debatable decision. Actually it might have been reckless for Tuchel to leave Bellingham on considering there was a risk the midfielder would make himself ineligible of the opening game of the competition by receiving a second caution.
Drawing Attention on Himself
Yet Bellingham drew all eyes toward himself. There was no disguising the 22-year-old’s disappointment as he realized that he would be substituted for a teammate. He threw his arms up and while he shook Tuchel’s hand after making his way to the sideline there was no doubt that Tuchel was displeased.
This represents the hurdle that Bellingham must overcome. He congratulated his teammate for sending in the ball for Kane to head in his second goal, but everything else was counterproductive. It's not like arguing was going to alter the decision. Tuchel has repeatedly emphasized respecting team hierarchies and the value of showing proper conduct.
Facing Examination
He, left out of the previous squad, has been under scrutiny after returning to the team in the current camp. Practically his place has been in question and he hasn't helped his case with his response to his substitution as England wrapped up a flawless qualification run by seeing off a feisty challenge from their opponents.
Tactics and Formation
As a result the jury is out on how the squad operate most effectively when Bellingham plays. The performance was inconclusive. There was experimentation from Tuchel at the start. He has given the team organization and direction over the past few matches, building with a defensive midfielder, a box-to-box player, a No 10 and out-and-out wingers, but it felt different against Albania. The young defender was handed his international debut, the midfielder started for the first time internationally and the use of Stones as an auxiliary midfielder gave a passing resemblance to Manchester City’s historic treble-winning side.
Inconsistent Display
Bellingham had ups and downs. He created an opportunity for his teammate during the second half but frequently appeared trying too hard. There were a lot of rushed, misplaced passes. There was a needless bit of aggro against an opponent early on. England's play was messy for much of the second half. An opportunity for Albania followed Bellingham gave the ball away. His booking occurred when he lost the ball from Broja and brought down the attacker.
Depth Makes the Difference
Finally the squad's strength was decisive. Tuchel threw on the Manchester City player, who appeared more comfortable to the spot in which Bellingham operated in the opening period, and Saka. Eventually Saka delivered a corner kick for the captain to open the scoring. It was a reminder that dead-ball situations will play a key role in the upcoming tournament.
Relationship Not Broken
Still, though, all talk was about Bellingham. The excellence of Rashford's cross for Kane's goal was a little lost in the ridiculousness of the player change. After the final whistle, everyone was watching him. Tuchel walked up to his side and guided the Real Madrid midfielder in the direction of the away supporters. The bond between them is not broken. The coach isn't ready to abandon the player just yet. Yet whether he is willing to offer him a starring role remains in doubt.
