Jude Bellingham Faces Stern Warning Over Damaging Public Image
When confronted with allegations that Jude Bellingham failed to join his teammates in celebration, England boss Thomas Tuchel acknowledged these images "don't represent what we want to see" and vowed to examine the video evidence.
The German manager will discover a completely different story. As Harry Kane headed England to a 2-0 advantage against Albania on Sunday night, extending his international goal count to 78, Bellingham was notably absent from the immediate group that surrounded the national team's star striker.
Rather, the mature 22-year-old had rushed directly to Marcus Rashford, who provided the devastating delivery that created Kane's scoring opportunity. Bellingham subsequently joined his international captain, exchanging two high-fives and an embrace.
The suggestion from the persistent journalist who confronted Tuchel with this misleading narrative was that Bellingham had already realized he would be replaced by Morgan Rogers at the next stoppage. Exactly when the dynamic midfielder would have found opportunity to glimpse his manager's tactical blueprint remains mysterious, and there was no obvious display of protest when Bellingham's number appeared on the fourth official's board. He merely lowered his head and jogged toward the sideline, where he acknowledged Rogers and Tuchel.
England's boss confessed that he "observed [Bellingham] wasn't pleased" but immediately noted: "I need to examine it."
"I don't wish to amplify this situation beyond what it actually is," Tuchel importantly stated.
Tuchel: Conduct Is Crucial
While Tuchel was reluctant to be drawn into additional Bellingham controversy, he couldn't resist offering a warning message. "I don't wish to escalate this but I maintain my position—'conduct is crucial' and showing respect toward teammates who enter the game," he informed BBC Radio 5 Live.
"Choices are made and players must accept them.
"Morgan Rogers was certainly disappointed when he couldn't begin today because he merits playing time for us and desires to feature constantly. We provided him some rest because he arrived with significant playing time for his club and featured against Serbia.
Bellingham has become the focus of an unusual discussion regarding attitude and pride in recent weeks. Tuchel hasn't made efforts to silence this conversation, openly creating competition between the Real Madrid midfielder and Rogers for England's No. 10 position at the World Cup.
The Aston Villa creator started for the Three Lions against Serbia on Thursday and performed commendably before an impressive substitute appearance from Bellingham. The Madrid player wasn't flawless against Albania, yet demonstrated sufficient natural ability to earn England's Player of the Match recognition.
"Clearly when we've competed in a challenging match and you're selected by supporters as Man of the Match, it's truly gratifying," he shared with England media. "A crucial victory. Back in the starting lineup after some time. So yes, satisfied with it."