🔗 Share this article

If Jude Bellingham wants to earn his place once again into the English strongest starting eleven, it would be smart to cut out the unnecessary reactions. The way he reacted when he saw that his number was about to come up after a match of inconsistency in the match against Albania was unacceptable.

"I prefer not to overstate it but I stick to my words 'behaviour is key' and consideration for the players who substitute on," Tuchel said. "Choices are taken and you have to accept it being a professional."

Bellingham has to learn. There was no need for an outburst. Harry Kane had only moments earlier made it the national team leading by two in a meaningless match, there were six minutes left and he, who had not played particularly well, received a caution for fouling an opponent. This could scarcely be called a controversial substitution. Indeed it would have been unwise for the head coach to keep Bellingham on the pitch considering it was possible Bellingham would be suspended of the opening game of the tournament by getting a second yellow card.

Drawing Attention on Himself

Yet Bellingham drew all eyes toward himself. There was no disguising the young midfielder's frustration upon understanding that he would be substituted for a teammate. He threw his arms up and while he shook Tuchel’s hand while heading to the touchline it was clear that the manager was not impressed.

This is the challenge facing Bellingham. He praised Rashford for delivering the cross for Kane to score the team's second, but the rest was self-defeating. It is not as if complaining was going to reverse the substitution. The German has talked so much about honoring the team structure and the necessity of acting professionally.

In the Spotlight

He, not included in last month’s squad, has been under scrutiny upon his return to the fold this month. In effect he was being assessed and he hasn't helped his case through his behavior to his substitution as the national team wrapped up a ideal group stage by defeating a feisty challenge from Albania.

Tactics and Formation

It means the jury is out on whether England function at their best with Bellingham in the team. The evidence here was not definitive. Some new ideas were tested from the manager in the beginning. He has given the squad a clear system lately, building with a holding player, a central midfielder, an attacking midfielder and dedicated wide players, but the approach changed in this match. The young defender was handed his international debut, the midfielder started for the first time for England and the positioning of John Stones as a makeshift midfielder created a faint echo to the Manchester club's team that won three trophies.

Mixed Performance

Bellingham had ups and downs. He created an opportunity for Eberechi Eze during the second half but at times seemed too desperate to impress. Several hurried and errant passes. There was a needless bit of aggro against an opponent at the beginning. England's play was messy for much of the second half. An opportunity for Albania came after Bellingham squandered possession. His caution occurred when he was dispossessed from Broja and fouled Broja.

Depth Makes the Difference

In the end the bench quality was decisive. Tuchel threw on the Manchester City player, who looked more naturally fitted to the spot that Bellingham had played in the opening period, and Saka. In time Saka delivered a set-piece for the captain to score the first goal. It was a reminder that dead-ball situations will play a key role next summer.

Bridge Still Stands

Still, though, the focus was on Bellingham. The quality of Rashford's cross for Kane's goal was a little lost due to the fuss of the substitution incident. When the match concluded, all eyes were on Bellingham. The coach approached from behind and pushed Bellingham to acknowledge the travelling England fans. Their relationship remains intact. The coach isn't ready to give up on the player just yet. Yet whether he is willing to grant him a starring role remains in doubt.