🔗 Share this article

If Jude Bellingham aims to fight his way back into the English top squad, it would be smart to eliminate the nonsense. The way he reacted when he saw that he was about to come up following a night of inconsistency in the match against Albania fell short of expectations.

"I’d rather not blow it out of proportion but I hold to my words 'attitude matters' and respect towards the players who substitute on," Tuchel said. "Decisions are made and you need to comply when you're on the field."

The midfielder must understand. There was no call for an outburst. The captain had only moments earlier made it England leading by two in a dead rubber match, there were six minutes left and the player, who had not played particularly well, received a caution for fouling an opponent. This was hardly a debatable decision. Indeed it would have been foolish for the manager to leave Bellingham on because it was possible he would rule himself out of the initial fixture of the tournament by getting a second yellow card.

Shifting Focus on Himself

However, the player made himself the center of attention. No one could overlook the young midfielder's frustration when he clocked that he would be substituted for a teammate. He flung his arms in the air and even though he exchanged a handshake on his way to the touchline there was no doubt that the manager was displeased.

Here lies the test for Bellingham. He praised Rashford for providing the assist for Harry Kane to head in the team's second, but the rest was counterproductive. It is not as if complaining was going to reverse the substitution. The German has stressed repeatedly respecting team hierarchies and the necessity of acting professionally.

In the Spotlight

Bellingham, left out of the previous squad, has been under scrutiny after returning to the team recently. Essentially he has been on trial and his actions haven't benefited him with his response to coming off the pitch as the national team wrapped up a perfect qualifying campaign by overcoming a feisty challenge from the Albanian team.

Tactics and Formation

As a result opinions are divided on whether the team function at their best when Bellingham plays. The evidence here was not definitive. Tuchel tried new things by the coach at the start. He has given England a clear system lately, employing a holding player, a box-to-box player, an attacking midfielder and dedicated wide players, but the approach changed in this match. The young defender was given his first cap, the midfielder was in the starting lineup at this level and the use of John Stones as a makeshift midfielder gave a faint echo to City's team that won three trophies.

Mixed Performance

Bellingham was a mixed bag. He made a chance for Eze during the second half but frequently appeared too desperate to impress. Several rushed, misplaced passes. An unnecessary confrontation with a rival player early on. England were ragged during most of the second period. A scoring chance for the opponents resulted from he lost the ball cheaply. His caution was shown after he lost the ball to Broja and committed a foul on the former Chelsea striker.

Squad Strength Shows

Finally England’s depth made the difference. Tuchel introduced Foden, who appeared better suited to the role in which Bellingham operated during the first half, and Bukayo Saka. In time Saka delivered a corner for Kane to score the first goal. It highlighted that set pieces are going to be vital next summer.

Bridge Still Stands

Nevertheless, Bellingham was the story. The excellence of the winger's delivery for the second goal was a little lost due to the fuss of the Rogers substitution. After the final whistle, all eyes were on the midfielder. Tuchel came over from behind and guided Bellingham towards the travelling England fans. Their connection is not broken. Tuchel is not willing to abandon Bellingham yet. However, whether Tuchel is inclined to grant him centre stage remains in doubt.