🔗 Share this article

For Bellingham to hopes to earn his place into the English best starting eleven, it would be smart to eliminate the dramatics. His response when he saw that the substitute board was about to come up after a match of mixed performance in the match against Albania was unacceptable.

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

There is a lesson for Bellingham. There was no need for an outburst. Harry Kane had just put England two goals ahead in a meaningless fixture, the game had six minutes to go and he, after a below-par performance, had just been booked for a foul on Armando Broja. This was hardly a controversial substitution. Indeed it would have been unwise for the manager to not substitute him because it was possible he would make himself ineligible of the initial fixture of the tournament by receiving a another booking.

Turning the Spotlight to Himself

But Bellingham made himself the center of attention. There was no disguising the young midfielder's disappointment as he realized that his replacement was ready for Morgan Rogers. He flung his arms in the air and even though he shook Tuchel’s hand on his way to the touchline it was obvious that the head coach did not appreciate it.

Here lies the test for Bellingham. He applauded Rashford for sending in the ball for Harry Kane to nod home his second goal, but everything else was self-defeating. It's not like complaining was going to change Tuchel’s mind. The coach has stressed repeatedly respecting team hierarchies and the necessity of behaving correctly.

Under Scrutiny

He, left out of the team last month, has faced close inspection since coming back to the fold in the current camp. Essentially he was being assessed and he has not done himself any favours through his behavior to coming off the pitch as the national team wrapped up a ideal group stage by seeing off a feisty challenge from Albania.

Tactics and Formation

This implies opinions are divided on how England function at their best with Bellingham in the team. What we saw was inconclusive. Some new ideas were tested from Tuchel early on. Under him, England have gained the team a clear system lately, employing a No 6, a box-to-box player, a No 10 and dedicated wide players, but there was a different feel against Albania. Jarell Quansah was given his first cap, Adam Wharton made his first start internationally and the role of John Stones as a part-time midfielder created a passing resemblance to Manchester City’s 2023 treble winners.

Mixed Performance

Bellingham had ups and downs. He made a chance for Eberechi Eze in the latter period but often looked trying too hard. He made many rushed, misplaced passes. An unnecessary confrontation with an Albania midfielder early on. The team looked disjointed for much of the second half. An opportunity for Albania followed Bellingham squandered possession. His caution came after he lost the ball to Broja and brought down the former Chelsea striker.

Squad Strength Shows

Finally the squad's strength made the difference. Tuchel threw on Phil Foden, who appeared better suited to the spot occupied by Bellingham in the opening period, and Bukayo Saka. Later Saka provided a corner kick for Harry Kane to score the first goal. This served as a reminder that corners and free-kicks will play a key role in the upcoming tournament.

Connection Remains

However, all talk was about Bellingham. The brilliance of Rashford’s assist for Kane's goal was somewhat overlooked amid the drama of the substitution incident. After the final whistle, all eyes were on Bellingham. Tuchel came over from behind and directed Bellingham towards the travelling England fans. The bond between them is not damaged. Tuchel hasn't decided to abandon the player just yet. Yet whether the coach is prepared to give him centre stage remains in doubt.