You certainly can’t accuse Jude Bellingham of not knowing how to make a statement. As the poster child for youthful defiance, his reaction to Thomas Tuchel’s choice to sub him out was quintessentially his.

It wasn’t a question of “who else?” but rather a frustrated “why me?” The rationale was straightforward: Bellingham had recently received a yellow card, and another in the last six minutes would mean missing the opening World Cup match. Tuchel’s decision was strategic, as he had already cautioned his players about the risk of suspension.

Nonetheless, Bellingham was not on board. With arms raised and eyes fixed on his coach, he made his displeasure clear as Morgan Rogers prepared to enter the game. The timing was unfortunate as well—just moments after England celebrated Harry Kane’s second goal. Rather than joining in the team’s jubilation, Bellingham was absorbed in his own feelings of injustice. His discontent was evident even before Kane’s goal and lingered afterward.

By openly opposing his manager’s decision, Bellingham missed an important opportunity to demonstrate team spirit. What message does this send to Rogers, who was concentrating on Tuchel’s instructions? And to Kane, who just added another goal to his impressive international tally? It suggests a focus on individual over collective success.

It’s important to note that this incident occurred during the closing moments of a match with little at stake. Imagine if Tuchel had made such a decision in a high-stakes World Cup semi-final or final—how would Bellingham react then? Would he stage a dramatic protest akin to an activist chaining themselves to a post?

Jude Bellingham was not pleased at being substituted during England’s win against Albania

The Real Madrid midfielder had been booked and Thomas Tuchel was sensibly managing him

But Bellingham was visibly unimpressed after being hooked for Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers

After the match, Tuchel’s irritation was controlled but palpable. He has put considerable effort into fostering a sense of unity within the team.

‘I saw that he was not happy,’ said the German. ‘My word stands – we are about standards and a level of commitment to each other and respect to each other. So if someone is waiting outside, we will not change our decision just because someone is waving with their arms.

‘I don’t want to make more out of it, but I stick to my words, “behaviour is key” and respect towards the team-mates who come in. Decisions are made and you have to accept it as a player.’

All of this raises serious questions about Bellingham’s suitability for the England that Tuchel wants to take to North America. He will not like that the post-match talk was monopolised by the incident.

Bellingham’s first misstep was before a ball had been kicked. It may have been that he was trying to wash his sinuses of the tobacco that irritatingly perfumed this stadium, but in seeking a touchline drink in the seconds prior to kick-off, he was the only England player missing from the team huddle. An accidental absence, no doubt, but still an unfortunate look on an occasion when his re-introduction was as much about proving his willingness to embrace the collective. We know how that played out.

As for his performance, there was some good – a crunching, shot-saving tackle in his own penalty, a run and pass that led to Jarrod Bowen nearly scoring and a cute ball from which Eberechi Eze should have scored.

But there was also some of the Bellingham that Tuchel wants to see less of in an England shirt. There was frustration when the contribution of team-mates came up short, including one statuesque objection when Bukayo Saka chose to shoot rather than pulling back to his unmarked feet. He planted those boots and pointed at them after Saka’s effort was saved.

England, though, were way below their recent levels and seven changes – coupled with a change of formation – was too many. Bellingham’s use in what looked like an old inside-right position was baffling, especially when this should have been a chance to see how, at No.10, he linked with Kane.

Bellingham sulked into his seat on the subtitutes bench during the final exchanges in Tirana

Tuchel warned the midfielder that ‘behaviour is key’ during the post-match press conference

Tactical peculiarities aside, however, there was an off-the-ball incident inside the first 10 minutes that should also concern Tuchel. Given his warning about red cards, for Bellingham to push Albania’s Myrto Uzuni, albeit with minimal force, was both needless and risky. 

It was in response to a sly nibble from his opponent, but two hands into Uzuni’s chest invited trouble. It was more brush-off than shove and, with play elsewhere, it passed over without any comeback, but that was the sort of skirmish Tuchel wanted his players to avoid.

Never did the England boss expect to find himself at the centre of another skirmish with Bellingham less than two hours later. Tuchel waited for him on the touchline and shook his hand before slapping his backside. Indeed, that felt very appropriate.