🔗 Share this article

If Jude Bellingham wants to force his way once again into England’s best squad, the smart move to cut out the unnecessary reactions. His response upon realizing that the substitute board was about to come up after an evening of inconsistency in Tirana fell short of expectations.

"I’d rather not make more out of it but I hold to my words 'attitude matters' and respect for the teammates who substitute on," commented the coach. "Substitutions happen and you have to accept it as a player."

Bellingham has to learn. It was unnecessary for an outburst. Kane had just put the Three Lions two goals ahead in a dead rubber qualifier, with only six minutes remaining and Bellingham, following an inconsistent display, was just shown a yellow for fouling an opponent. This could scarcely be called a debatable decision. Indeed it might have been reckless for the manager to leave Bellingham on considering there was a risk Bellingham would rule himself out of the initial fixture of the tournament by receiving a second yellow card.

Drawing Attention to Himself

Yet Bellingham made himself the center of attention. No one could overlook the young midfielder's frustration upon understanding that he would be substituted for Morgan Rogers. He threw his arms up and while he shook Tuchel’s hand after making his way to the bench it was clear that Tuchel was displeased.

This represents the hurdle that Bellingham must overcome. He congratulated Rashford for providing the assist for the captain to head in his second of the night, but the rest was harmful to his cause. There was no chance arguing was going to change Tuchel’s mind. Tuchel has talked so much about honoring the team structure and the importance of behaving correctly.

Facing Examination

Bellingham, left out of the previous squad, has been under scrutiny upon his return to the team this month. In effect he has been on trial and he hasn't helped his case through his behavior to being taken off as the side completed a flawless qualification run by overcoming a feisty challenge from their opponents.

The Coach's Plan

This implies opinions are divided on how the squad operate most effectively with Bellingham in the team. What we saw was inconclusive. There was experimentation from the manager early on. He has provided England organization and direction in recent months, employing a holding player, a box-to-box player, an attacking midfielder and out-and-out wingers, but there was a different feel in this match. Jarell Quansah was handed his international debut, Adam Wharton started for the first time at this level and the use of John Stones as a part-time midfielder meant there was faint echo to the Manchester club's 2023 treble winners.

Mixed Performance

His performance was inconsistent. He set up a shot for his teammate during the second half but at times seemed trying too hard. He made many rushed, misplaced passes. A pointless clash with a rival player in the early stages. The team looked disjointed during most of the second period. A scoring chance for the opponents followed Bellingham squandered possession. His caution came after an opponent took the ball from Broja and brought down the attacker.

Substitutes Decide

Finally the squad's strength made the difference. Tuchel introduced Phil Foden, who looked more naturally fitted to the role occupied by Bellingham during the first half, and the Arsenal winger. Later Saka whipped in a corner for Harry Kane to score the first goal. This served as a reminder that dead-ball situations are going to be vital next summer.

Connection Remains

Nevertheless, all talk was about Bellingham. The brilliance of Rashford’s assist for the second goal was somewhat overlooked in the ridiculousness of the player change. After the final whistle, all eyes were on the midfielder. Tuchel came over from behind and directed the player to acknowledge the travelling England fans. Their connection is not broken. Tuchel is not willing to abandon him at this stage. But if the coach is prepared to give him a starring role is not guaranteed.