Jude Bellingham Has to Cut Out the Petulance to Secure a Star Place Under Manager Thomas Tuchel.

Should Bellingham hopes to force his way back into England’s top starting eleven, it would be smart to eliminate the dramatics. His reaction upon realizing that his number was going up following a night of mixed performance in the match against Albania was not good enough.

"I prefer not to blow it out of proportion but I hold to my words 'attitude matters' and respect towards the teammates who enter the game," stated Tuchel. "Decisions are made and you have to accept it being a professional."

The midfielder must understand. There was no call for a tantrum. Harry Kane had just put England leading by two in an inconsequential match, there were six minutes left and the player, who had not played particularly well, received a caution for a foul on an opponent. It was not a debatable decision. Actually it would have been foolish for Tuchel to keep Bellingham on the pitch given that it was possible he would make himself ineligible of the first match of the competition by receiving a second caution.

Shifting Focus Upon Himself

Yet Bellingham drew all eyes toward himself. It was impossible to miss the 22-year-old’s annoyance when he clocked that he was going to make way for Morgan Rogers. He threw his arms up and while he exchanged a handshake after making his way to the bench there was no doubt that the head coach was not impressed.

This represents the hurdle for Bellingham. He praised Rashford for delivering the cross for Harry Kane to nod home the team's second, but everything else was harmful to his cause. It's not like complaining was going to alter the decision. The coach has talked so much about respecting team hierarchies and the importance of behaving correctly.

Facing Examination

He, omitted from the previous squad, has been under scrutiny after returning to the team in the current camp. Practically he has been on trial and his actions haven't benefited him through his behavior to coming off the pitch as England rounded off a perfect qualifying campaign by seeing off a tough opposition from Albania.

The System and the Setup

As a result the jury is out on how England function at their best including Bellingham. The performance was inconclusive. Tuchel tried new things from Tuchel at the start. He has given the squad structure and clarity lately, using a holding player, a No 8, an attacking midfielder and out-and-out wingers, but there was a different feel in this match. Quansah was made his England debut, the midfielder made his first start internationally and the positioning of Stones as a part-time midfielder created a faint echo to Manchester City’s 2023 treble winners.

Mixed Performance

Bellingham had ups and downs. He set up a shot for Eberechi Eze during the second half but at times seemed too desperate to impress. Several poorly executed passes. There was a needless bit of aggro with an Albania midfielder early on. England were ragged after halftime. An opportunity for Albania came after Bellingham squandered possession. His booking was shown after he was dispossessed from Broja and committed a foul on Broja.

Squad Strength Shows

Ultimately the squad's strength made the difference. Tuchel threw on Foden, who appeared more comfortable to the role that Bellingham had played in the opening period, and Bukayo Saka. In time Saka provided a set-piece for Harry Kane to score the first goal. This served as a reminder that set pieces are going to be vital in the upcoming tournament.

Bridge Still Stands

Nevertheless, the focus was on Bellingham. The brilliance of Rashford’s assist for Kane's goal was a little lost amid the drama of the substitution incident. When the match concluded, all eyes were on him. Tuchel walked up from behind and guided Bellingham in the direction of the travelling England fans. Their connection is not broken. Tuchel hasn't decided to discard him at this stage. Yet whether he is willing to offer him centre stage is not guaranteed.