Bellingham Must Cut Out the Immature behavior to Reclaim a Star Role In Coach Tuchel.

Should Bellingham aims to earn his place back into England’s top squad, it would be smart to eliminate the dramatics. The way he reacted when he saw that his number was going up after a match of uneven play in the match against Albania was unacceptable.

"I’d rather not overstate it but I hold to my words 'conduct is crucial' and respect towards the squad members who come in," stated Tuchel. "Choices are taken and you have to accept it being a professional."

Bellingham has to learn. It was unnecessary for a tantrum. Harry Kane had only moments earlier made it the Three Lions 2-0 up in a meaningless fixture, the game had six minutes to go and he, following an inconsistent display, received a caution for bringing down the Albanian striker. It was not a questionable change. In fact it would have been unwise for Tuchel to leave Bellingham on considering there was a risk the midfielder would make himself ineligible of the opening game of the competition by receiving a second caution.

Shifting Focus to Himself

However, the player turned the spotlight on himself. There was no disguising the 22-year-old’s frustration upon understanding that he was going to make way for another player. He flung his arms in the air and even though he shook Tuchel’s hand on his way to the touchline it was obvious that the manager was displeased.

Here lies the test facing Bellingham. He congratulated his teammate for delivering the cross for the captain to nod home his second of the night, but his other actions was self-defeating. It's not like complaining was going to change Tuchel’s mind. Tuchel has talked so much about honoring the team structure and the necessity of behaving correctly.

Under Scrutiny

Bellingham, left out of last month’s squad, is being watched carefully since coming back to the squad in the current camp. In effect he has been on trial and he has not done himself any favours with his response to his substitution as England rounded off a ideal group stage by overcoming a tough opposition from the Albanian team.

The Coach's Plan

This implies it's unclear on how the squad function at their best when Bellingham plays. What we saw was not definitive. There was experimentation by the coach in the beginning. Under him, England have gained the team organization and direction lately, using a No 6, a box-to-box player, a No 10 and specialist wingers, but the approach changed against Albania. The young defender was handed his international debut, Adam Wharton made his first start at this level and the role of Stones as a part-time midfielder created a similar look to the Manchester club's historic treble-winning side.

A Game of Two Halves

Bellingham had ups and downs. He made a chance for Eberechi Eze after the break but frequently appeared trying too hard. He made many rushed, misplaced passes. A pointless clash with an Albania midfielder early on. England were ragged after halftime. One Albania chance came after Bellingham squandered possession. The yellow card came after he was dispossessed by Broja and committed a foul on the attacker.

Depth Makes the Difference

Ultimately the squad's strength proved crucial. Tuchel introduced the Manchester City player, who seemed more comfortable to the position that Bellingham had played during the first half, and the Arsenal winger. Later Saka provided a corner for the captain to score the first goal. It highlighted that set pieces are going to be vital in the upcoming tournament.

Relationship Not Broken

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. At the end, the focus was on the midfielder. Tuchel came over to his side and pushed the player towards the away supporters. The bond between them is not broken. Tuchel hasn't decided to discard the player just yet. But if he is willing to give him the central position is still uncertain.

Alyssa Silva
Alyssa Silva

Elara is an experienced editor and novelist passionate about helping new writers find their voice and navigate the publishing world.