🔗 Share this article

Should Bellingham hopes to earn his place once again into the English best starting eleven, it would be smart to cut out the dramatics. His response after noticing that his number was about to come up after an evening of inconsistency in the match against Albania was unacceptable.

"I’d rather not overstate it but I stick to my words 'behaviour is key' and respect towards the players who substitute on," commented the coach. "Substitutions happen and you must accept them being a professional."

There is a lesson for Bellingham. There was no need for a tantrum. Kane had only moments earlier made it the national team leading by two in an inconsequential fixture, there were six minutes left and he, following an inconsistent display, was just shown a yellow for fouling Armando Broja. It was not a debatable decision. Actually it would have been foolish for the head coach to not substitute him given that there was a chance the midfielder would make himself ineligible of the first match of the tournament by picking up a second caution.

Drawing Attention on Himself

But Bellingham drew all eyes toward himself. No one could overlook the 22-year-old’s disappointment upon understanding that he would be substituted for a teammate. He threw his arms up and while he shook Tuchel’s hand after making his way to the touchline it was clear that the manager did not appreciate it.

This represents the hurdle facing Bellingham. He congratulated Marcus Rashford for delivering the cross for Harry Kane to score the team's second, but his other actions was counterproductive. It's not like protesting was going to reverse the substitution. Tuchel has talked so much about honoring the team structure and the necessity of showing proper conduct.

In the Spotlight

Bellingham, not included in the previous squad, is being watched carefully after returning to the fold this month. Practically he has been on trial and he has not done himself any favours through his behavior to his substitution as the national team rounded off a flawless qualification run by overcoming a feisty challenge from Albania.

Tactics and Formation

This implies it's unclear on how the squad function at their best with Bellingham in the team. The evidence here was open to interpretation. Some new ideas were tested from Tuchel early on. He has provided the team a clear system lately, building with a holding player, a No 8, an attacking midfielder and specialist wingers, but it felt different against Albania. Jarell Quansah was given his first cap, the midfielder made his first start at this level and the positioning of John Stones as a makeshift midfielder meant there was similar look to City's team that won three trophies.

Inconsistent Display

Bellingham was a mixed bag. He set up a shot for Eberechi Eze after the break but frequently appeared trying too hard. Several hurried and errant passes. An unnecessary confrontation against an opponent in the early stages. The team looked disjointed after halftime. One Albania chance followed he lost the ball cheaply. The yellow card occurred when he was dispossessed to Broja and committed a foul on Broja.

Substitutes Decide

Finally England’s depth was decisive. The coach brought on Phil Foden, who looked more comfortable to the spot that Bellingham had played earlier in the match, and the Arsenal winger. In time Saka whipped in a corner for Kane to open the scoring. This served as a reminder that set pieces will play a key role at the World Cup.

Connection Remains

However, the focus was on Bellingham. The quality of Rashford's cross for Kane's goal was partly forgotten in the ridiculousness of the player change. After the final whistle, all eyes were on Bellingham. Tuchel walked up to his side and guided the player to acknowledge the travelling England fans. Their connection remains intact. Tuchel hasn't decided to discard Bellingham yet. However, whether Tuchel is inclined to give him the central position is not guaranteed.