Should Bellingham aims to force his way back into the English best team, it would be smart to eliminate the unnecessary reactions. His reaction when he saw that the substitute board was being shown following a night of mixed performance in Tirana was unacceptable.
"I don’t want to blow it out of proportion but I hold to my words 'conduct is crucial' and consideration for the teammates who come in," stated Tuchel. "Decisions are made and you must accept them as a player."
There is a lesson for Bellingham. There was no call for a strop. Harry Kane had recently scored to make the Three Lions two goals ahead in an inconsequential match, the game had six minutes to go and the player, after a below-par performance, was just shown a yellow for a foul on Armando Broja. This was hardly a questionable change. Actually it might have been reckless for the manager to not substitute him considering there was a chance he would rule himself out of the initial fixture of the World Cup by getting a second yellow card.
Drawing Attention to Himself
Yet Bellingham made himself the center of attention. There was no disguising the 22-year-old’s annoyance upon understanding that he would be substituted for Morgan Rogers. He threw his arms up and while he shook Tuchel’s hand after making his way to the touchline there was no doubt that the head coach was displeased.
This is the challenge that Bellingham must overcome. He applauded Marcus Rashford for delivering the cross for Harry Kane to nod home his second of the night, but everything else was harmful to his cause. There was no chance arguing was going to change Tuchel’s mind. Tuchel has repeatedly emphasized honoring the team structure and the value of showing proper conduct.
Facing Examination
Bellingham, not included in the team last month, has faced close inspection since coming back to the fold this month. In effect his place has been in question and he hasn't helped his case through his behavior to coming off the pitch as the side rounded off a ideal group stage by seeing off a tough opposition from their opponents.
The System and the Setup
It means it's unclear on if the team operate most effectively when Bellingham plays. The performance was inconclusive. Some new ideas were tested from Tuchel at the start. He has provided England structure and clarity in recent months, building with a No 6, a box-to-box player, a playmaker and specialist wingers, but the approach changed against Albania. The young defender was given his first cap, Adam Wharton made his first start at this level and the use of the defender as a part-time midfielder meant there was faint echo to the Manchester club's 2023 treble winners.
Inconsistent Display
Bellingham had ups and downs. He created an opportunity for his teammate in the latter period but at times seemed overly eager to shine. He made many poorly executed passes. An unnecessary confrontation with an Albania midfielder at the beginning. England's play was messy for much of the second half. One Albania chance came after Bellingham squandered possession. His caution was shown after he lost the ball to Broja and committed a foul on the former Chelsea striker.
Depth Makes the Difference
In the end England’s depth was decisive. Tuchel introduced the Manchester City player, who looked better suited to the position occupied by Bellingham in the opening period, and Bukayo Saka. Eventually Saka delivered a set-piece for the captain to open the scoring. It highlighted that corners and free-kicks are going to be vital in the upcoming tournament.
Bridge Still Stands
Still, though, Bellingham was the story. The quality of the winger's delivery for Kane’s header was somewhat overlooked in the ridiculousness of the player change. At the end, everyone was watching Bellingham. The coach approached from behind and pushed Bellingham to acknowledge the away supporters. The bond between them is not damaged. The coach isn't ready to abandon him at this stage. But if the coach is prepared to offer him the central position remains in doubt.
