“Respect the teammates” - Tuchel sends strong message to Jude Bellingham after Real Madrid ace expresses frustration about England substitution

Jude Bellingham was unhappy not to play 90 minutes against Albania
Jude Bellingham was unhappy not to play 90 minutes against Albania

England manager Thomas Tuchel has hit out at Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham over his reaction to being substituted against Albania. The Three Lions ran out 2-0 winners away from home, ending their qualifying campaign for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a win.

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Bellingham was named in the starting XI by manager Tuchel after starting from the bench in their meeting with Serbia last week. The Real Madrid star was withdrawn in the 84th minute for Aston Villa man Morgan Rogers, and he appeared to have been unhappy to come off.

Thomas Tuchel was asked about the situation by reporters after the game, and the former Chelsea boss advised the 22-year-old to be more respectful to his teammates. He pointed out that as a player, the Real Madrid man has to accept whatever decisions that the manager makes.

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“I saw that Jude Bellingham was not happy when he came off. I don't want to make more out of it, but I stick to my words, behavior is key and respect towards the team-mates who come in. Decisions are made and you have to accept it as a player", he said (via @FabrizioRomano on X).
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Thomas Tuchel left Jude Bellingham out of the England squad for their October internationals, with the midfielder staying back at his club during the break. There were doubts over his inclusion this month, too, seeing as the manager had passed up opportunities to watch him live for his club.

The midfielder has celebrated Harry Kane's goal when he saw his number come up on the board to be substituted. He threw up his arms in exasperation before trudging off and shaking Tuchel's hand before taking his place on the bench.

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Real Madrid ace Bellingham named Man of the Match in England win

Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham was named as the Man of the Match as England ended their World Cup qualifiers with a 100% record. The 22-year-old played for 84 minutes as the Three Lions claimed a comfortable 2-0 win over Albania for their eighth straight win.

The midfielder was named in the starting XI after starting from the bench against Serbia on Thursday, and he put on a fine showing at both ends of the pitch. Playing as a number 10, the midfielder attempted 26 final third passes - more than any other player on the pitch - and won more duels than any other player (seven).

Captain Harry Kane scored both goals for the Three Lions against Albania in an eight-minute spell in the second half. They will now turn their attention towards the World Cup, which will hold next summer in the USA, Mexico, and Canada.

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Edited by Sulayman Salahudeen
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