🔗 Share this article

For Bellingham to wants to earn his place back into the English best team, he would be wise to cut out the dramatics. His reaction upon realizing that he was about to come up following a night of mixed performance in the match against Albania was not good enough.

"I don’t want to overstate it but I stand by my words 'attitude matters' and consideration for the squad members who come in," stated Tuchel. "Choices are taken and you need to comply when you're on the field."

The midfielder must understand. There was no need for an outburst. Harry Kane had only moments earlier made it England 2-0 up in a dead rubber qualifier, the game had six minutes to go and the player, following an inconsistent display, had just been booked for bringing down Armando Broja. This was hardly a questionable change. Indeed it might have been reckless for Tuchel to keep Bellingham on the pitch given that it was possible Bellingham would be suspended of the first match of the competition by receiving a another booking.

Turning the Spotlight to Himself

But Bellingham drew all eyes toward himself. There was no disguising the player's disappointment when he clocked that he was going to make way for a teammate. He threw his arms up and although he shook Tuchel’s hand after making his way to the bench it was obvious that the head coach did not appreciate it.

This represents the hurdle facing Bellingham. He congratulated his teammate for providing the assist for the captain to nod home his second of the night, but the rest was harmful to his cause. It's not like protesting was going to alter the decision. Tuchel has stressed repeatedly respecting team hierarchies and the importance of behaving correctly.

In the Spotlight

Bellingham, not included in last month’s squad, is being watched carefully after returning to the fold recently. In effect his place has been in question and he hasn't helped his case through his behavior to being taken off as England wrapped up a ideal group stage by defeating a feisty challenge from the Albanian team.

The System and the Setup

It means the jury is out on how England operate most effectively including Bellingham. The evidence here was inconclusive. Tuchel tried new things by the coach at the start. Under him, England have gained the squad a clear system lately, employing a holding player, a central midfielder, a No 10 and specialist wingers, but there was a different feel versus Albania. The young defender was handed his international debut, Wharton was in the starting lineup internationally and the use of Stones as a part-time midfielder meant there was faint echo to City's team that won three trophies.

Mixed Performance

Bellingham was a mixed bag. He created an opportunity for Eberechi Eze after the break but often looked trying too hard. Several poorly executed passes. An unnecessary confrontation with a rival player in the early stages. England were ragged during most of the second period. An opportunity for Albania followed he lost the ball cheaply. The yellow card occurred when an opponent took the ball to Broja and committed a foul on the attacker.

Squad Strength Shows

Ultimately the bench quality proved crucial. Tuchel threw on Phil Foden, who seemed more comfortable to the spot occupied by Bellingham during the first half, and Bukayo Saka. Eventually Saka provided a set-piece for Harry Kane to score the first goal. It highlighted that corners and free-kicks will be crucial in the upcoming tournament.

Relationship Not Broken

Nevertheless, Bellingham was the story. The quality of Rashford’s assist for Kane's goal was partly forgotten in the ridiculousness of the Rogers substitution. After the final whistle, everyone was watching him. The coach approached from behind and directed Bellingham towards the English fans. The bond between them is not damaged. Tuchel hasn't decided to abandon him at this stage. However, whether Tuchel is inclined to grant him centre stage is not guaranteed.