England manager Thomas Tuchel says Jude Bellingham must show greater composure after the midfielder reacted angrily to being substituted in the 2–0 win over Albania.
Bellingham, back in the starting XI and delivering a mixed performance in Tirana, was visibly frustrated when he saw his number come up in the 84th minute. He later joined in the celebrations for Harry Kane’s second goal, but moments earlier had thrown his arms in the air — a gesture Tuchel did not appreciate.
Tuchel addressed it directly post-match.
“He has to accept the decision, the England boss said.
“His friend is waiting on the sidelines so you need to accept it, respect it and keep on going… my word stands, it is about standards and a commitment and respect to each other. So someone is waiting and we will not change our decision because someone is waving their arms.
Bellingham did shake hands with Tuchel as he went off, but the message was clear. The German has repeatedly stressed the importance of squad unity and used Morgan Rogers — who replaced Bellingham — as another example.
“Morgan Rogers was for sure not happy when he couldn’t start today because he deserves to play, Tuchel added.
“I don’t want to make more out of it but I stick to my words: ‘behavior is key’.
England closed out qualifying with eight wins from eight and no goals conceded, but Tuchel’s focus after Albania was as much on attitude as performance.
