🔗 Share this article

For Bellingham to hopes to force his way back into England’s best squad, the smart move to cut out the dramatics. The way he reacted when he saw that his number was being shown after a match of mixed performance in the match against Albania was unacceptable.

"I prefer not to blow it out of proportion but I stand by my words 'conduct is crucial' and consideration for the teammates who enter the game," stated Tuchel. "Decisions are made and you have to accept it as a player."

The midfielder must understand. There was no call for a tantrum. Harry Kane had only moments earlier made it England two goals ahead in a meaningless fixture, there were six minutes left and he, following an inconsistent display, 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 chance the midfielder would make himself ineligible of the initial fixture of the tournament by getting a another booking.

Turning the Spotlight Upon Himself

Yet Bellingham turned the spotlight on himself. There was no disguising the player's disappointment when he clocked that he would be substituted for another player. His arms went up in exasperation and although he accepted the coach's hand after making his way to the bench there was no doubt that the head coach did not appreciate it.

This is the challenge for Bellingham. He praised Rashford for providing the assist for Kane to head in his second of the night, but the rest was harmful to his cause. It is not as if protesting was going to reverse the substitution. The German has repeatedly emphasized honoring the team structure and the value of acting professionally.

Under Scrutiny

He, omitted from the previous squad, has faced close inspection after returning to the team in the current camp. Practically his place has been in question and his actions haven't benefited him through his behavior to being taken off as the national team wrapped up a flawless qualification run by defeating a feisty challenge from the Albanian team.

Tactics and Formation

As a result it's unclear on if the team operate most effectively with Bellingham in the team. What we saw was not definitive. Some new ideas were tested from the manager at the start. He has provided the team structure and clarity lately, using a No 6, a central midfielder, an attacking midfielder and specialist wingers, but there was a different feel in this match. Quansah was given his first cap, Adam Wharton made his first start for England and the role of John Stones as an auxiliary midfielder created a faint echo to City's historic treble-winning side.

A Game of Two Halves

His performance was inconsistent. He created an opportunity for Eberechi Eze after the break but often looked overly eager to shine. There were a lot of rushed, misplaced passes. An unnecessary confrontation with a rival player in the early stages. England's play was messy for much of the second half. An opportunity for Albania came after Bellingham gave the ball away. His booking came after he was dispossessed by Broja and committed a foul on Broja.

Squad Strength Shows

Finally the squad's strength proved crucial. Tuchel introduced Foden, who appeared more comfortable to the spot that Bellingham had played during the first half, and Saka. In time Saka delivered a corner for Harry Kane to score the first goal. This served as a reminder that corners and free-kicks will play a key role at the World Cup.

Relationship Not Broken

However, the focus was on Bellingham. The excellence of Rashford's cross for Kane's goal was somewhat overlooked amid the drama of the substitution incident. At the end, all eyes were on Bellingham. The coach approached from behind and guided the Real Madrid midfielder in the direction of the away supporters. Their relationship remains intact. Tuchel hasn't decided to give up on the player just yet. But if Tuchel is inclined to give him a starring role is not guaranteed.