🔗 Share this article

For Bellingham to hopes to fight his way back into the English top starting eleven, he would be wise to do away with the unnecessary reactions. The way he reacted upon realizing that he was going up following a night of mixed performance in the match against Albania fell short of expectations.

"I don’t want to make more out of it but I stand by my words 'attitude matters' and respect for the squad members who enter the game," Tuchel said. "Substitutions happen and you have to accept it being a professional."

The midfielder must understand. There was no need for a strop. Harry Kane had only moments earlier made it England leading by two in a dead rubber qualifier, there were six minutes left and he, following an inconsistent display, was just shown a yellow for bringing down an opponent. This was hardly a questionable change. Actually it might have been reckless for the head coach to not substitute him given that there was a risk the midfielder would rule himself out of the first match of the World Cup by receiving a second caution.

Drawing Attention on Himself

Yet Bellingham turned the spotlight on himself. There was no disguising the 22-year-old’s disappointment as he realized that he was going to make way for a teammate. His arms went up in exasperation and even though he exchanged a handshake on his way to the sideline it was obvious that the head coach did not appreciate it.

Here lies the test for Bellingham. He praised Rashford for delivering the cross for the captain to nod home the team's second, but everything else was self-defeating. It's not like protesting was going to alter the decision. The coach has repeatedly emphasized following squad protocols and the value of acting professionally.

Under Scrutiny

He, not included in the previous squad, has faced close inspection since coming back to the fold this month. In effect he has been on trial and his actions haven't benefited him by reacting to being taken off as England rounded off a ideal group stage by overcoming a spirited effort from Albania.

The System and the Setup

As a result it's unclear on whether the squad function at their best including Bellingham. What we saw was open to interpretation. Some new ideas were tested from the manager at the start. Under him, England have gained the team a clear system lately, employing a defensive midfielder, a central midfielder, a playmaker and dedicated wide players, but there was a different feel versus Albania. Quansah was handed his international debut, Adam Wharton was in the starting lineup internationally and the use of the defender as an auxiliary midfielder gave a similar look to the Manchester club's team that won three trophies.

Mixed Performance

Bellingham was a mixed bag. He set up a shot for Eberechi Eze during the second half but often looked trying too hard. He made many poorly executed passes. A pointless clash with a rival player early on. The team looked disjointed for much of the second half. A scoring chance for the opponents followed Bellingham gave the ball away. His caution was shown after he lost the ball by Broja and committed a foul on the former Chelsea striker.

Depth Makes the Difference

Finally the bench quality made the difference. The coach brought on Foden, who looked more naturally fitted to the role in which Bellingham operated in the opening period, and Bukayo Saka. In time Saka whipped in a corner kick for Kane to break the deadlock. This served as a reminder that corners and free-kicks will be crucial at the World Cup.

Bridge Still Stands

Nevertheless, all talk was about Bellingham. The quality of Rashford’s assist for Kane’s header was partly forgotten in the ridiculousness of the player change. After the final whistle, the focus was on him. Tuchel came over to his side and pushed Bellingham to acknowledge the English fans. Their relationship is not broken. Tuchel hasn't decided to give up on Bellingham yet. Yet whether he is willing to offer him the central position remains in doubt.