Bellingham Has to Cut Out the Immature behavior to Earn a Central Position Under Coach Tuchel.
For Bellingham to hopes to fight his way once again into the English strongest starting eleven, he would be wise to cut out the dramatics. His reaction when he saw that his number was being shown after an evening of inconsistency in Tirana was not good enough.
"I don’t want to blow it out of proportion but I hold to my words 'conduct is crucial' and respect for the players who substitute on," stated Tuchel. "Decisions are made and you must accept them as a player."
The midfielder must understand. There was no need for a tantrum. Kane had recently scored to make the national team leading by two in an inconsequential qualifier, with only six minutes remaining and he, after a below-par performance, received a caution for bringing down Armando Broja. It was not a debatable decision. Actually it would have been unwise for Tuchel to keep Bellingham on the pitch given that there was a chance Bellingham would be suspended of the opening game of the tournament by receiving a another booking.
Turning the Spotlight Upon Himself
But Bellingham made himself the center of attention. There was no disguising the player's frustration upon understanding that his replacement was ready for Morgan Rogers. His arms went up in exasperation and although he exchanged a handshake after making his way to the touchline there was no doubt that the head coach did not appreciate it.
This represents the hurdle for Bellingham. He applauded Rashford for sending in the ball for Harry Kane to score his second goal, but everything else was harmful to his cause. It's not like arguing was going to reverse the substitution. Tuchel has talked so much about honoring the team structure and the value of behaving correctly.
In the Spotlight
Bellingham, omitted from last month’s squad, has faced close inspection after returning to the team recently. In effect he was being assessed and his actions haven't benefited him by reacting to being taken off as England rounded off a flawless qualification run by overcoming a feisty challenge from the Albanian team.
Tactics and Formation
As a result opinions are divided on whether the squad function at their best with Bellingham in the team. What we saw was not definitive. Some new ideas were tested by the coach early on. He has given the team a clear system over the past few matches, employing a holding player, a central midfielder, a No 10 and specialist wingers, but there was a different feel in this match. Jarell Quansah was made his England debut, Wharton was in the starting lineup at this level and the positioning of Stones as a makeshift midfielder created a similar look to the Manchester club's historic treble-winning side.
Mixed Performance
Bellingham had ups and downs. He created an opportunity for Eberechi Eze in the latter period but often looked too desperate to impress. Several poorly executed passes. An unnecessary confrontation with an Albania midfielder early on. The team looked disjointed during most of the second period. One Albania chance resulted from Bellingham gave the ball away. His caution occurred when he was dispossessed from Broja and fouled the former Chelsea striker.
Squad Strength Shows
In the end the bench quality was decisive. Tuchel threw on Foden, who looked more comfortable to the spot that Bellingham had played earlier in the match, and Bukayo Saka. In time Saka delivered a corner for Kane to break the deadlock. This served as a reminder that corners and free-kicks will play a key role in the upcoming tournament.
Connection Remains
Nevertheless, Bellingham was the story. The quality of Rashford's cross for the second goal was somewhat overlooked amid the drama of the player change. At the end, everyone was watching him. Tuchel walked up from behind and directed the Real Madrid midfielder towards the English fans. Their relationship remains intact. The coach isn't ready to give up on Bellingham yet. But if the coach is prepared to grant him a starring role remains in doubt.