England beat Albania to round off a perfect qualification campaign for the 2026 World Cup but midfielder Jude Bellingham didn’t look too happy about being substituted
Thomas Tuchel issued a fresh warning to Jude Bellingham after England’s record-breaking win. Real Madrid star Bellingham was not happy at being substituted in the dying minutes after Harry Kane’s double completed a perfect qualifying campaign for England.
That made it eight straight wins for England as they became the first European team to go through a campaign without conceding a goal to set themselves up for the World Cup next summer. But as soon as Bellingham had finished celebrating and high-fiving Kane after his second goal, the England star looked unhappy at being hooked for his close pal Morgan Rogers.
England boss Tuchel said: “That is the decision and he has to accept the decision. His friend is waiting on the sidelines so you need to accept it, respect it and keep on going.
“I have to review it. I saw he was not happy. To a certain degree if you have players like Jude who are so competitive they will never like it but my word stands – it is about standards, about level, 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.”
READ MORE: Three England stars immediately prove Thomas Tuchel wrong in Albania win
Tuchel said hypothetically it would be a “bad impression” if players did not celebrate together but it was clear that Bellingham DID celebrate but wanted to finish the match having missed the last two England camps.
Kane’s late double took the Three Lions captain past Brazil legend Pele on 78 international goals. They also won it with Kane, Bellingham and Phil Foden all on the pitch just four days after Tuchel said they could not all play together. But Tuchel relied on his Pom squad and his substitutes won the game – even if he was made to eat his words. “I thought about this when we made the substitution,” said Tuchel.
“It was nice to see the impact again from the bench, it was brilliant to have another set-piece goal, because you see what goals do in matches like this, it just costs the opponent a bit of belief, it just gives you a bit more calmness, gives you a bit more rhythm to your own match, and suddenly you’re in full control.
“Harry’s record is the cherry on top of everything, that he overcomes Pelé today, the investment of Harry in these matches is just outstanding, he is so invested in everything we do, if you see him play for Bayern Munich, I have to say it’s the same, he’s in a mindset and physical condition, that is absolutely highest level.”
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