Key Takeaways:
- Thomas Tuchel led England to the 2026 World Cup qualification, winning all matches in the qualifiers
- Jude Bellingham displayed visible frustration after being substituted four minutes after receiving a booking during England’s 2-0 win over Albania on Sunday
- Tuchel justified the midfielder’s substitution by emphasising discipline, stating it was necessary to prevent a potential red card
Match Analysis: England’s Win Over Albania
England secured a 2-0 victory over Albania on Sunday in the World Cup European qualifiers, maintaining their impeccable record and securing their place in the 2026 tournament. Thomas Tuchel made seven changes for this decisive fixture, incorporating Jude Bellingham into the starting line-up for his first England start since June. Bellingham made significant contributions on both ends of the pitch before being withdrawn near the end of the match.
🚨⚠️ Thomas Tuchel: “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”. pic.twitter.com/zEdpw9fROi
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 16, 2025
| Fixture | Result | Bellingham Booking | Substitution Minute |
|---|---|---|---|
| England vs Albania | 2-0 | 80th minute | 84th minute |
Bellingham’s Reaction and Substitution Explained
After being cautioned in the 80th minute, Bellingham became aware that Morgan Rogers was set to replace him. The 22-year-old Real Madrid midfielder responded by raising his arms in clear protest, indicating his reluctance to leave the field. Despite his visible annoyance, the coaching staff proceeded with the change in the 84th minute.
Thomas Tuchel, who had communicated to his squad prior to the match the importance of avoiding unnecessary sendings-off, addressed Bellingham’s reaction after the game:
“I didn’t see it that way, I’m going to have to review it.”
“I saw that he was not happy. I don’t want to make it bigger at the moment than it is.”
“I think to a certain degree if you have players like Jude, who are so competitive, they will never like it, but, as you said, my word stands.”
“It is about standards and level, and it’s a commitment to and respect to each other, so someone is waiting outside, and we will not change our decision just because someone is waving their arms.”
Tuchel underscored that decisions such as this are vital to maintaining team discipline and that individual emotions must not interfere with the collective focus required for a successful campaign.
England’s Unblemished Qualification Run
With their victory over Albania, England concluded their qualification phase with a perfect record, winning every fixture under Tuchel’s guidance. The German manager’s strategic rotations, including the decision to withdraw Bellingham to mitigate the risk following his caution, reflected his commitment to both team harmony and adherence to disciplinary standards.
Bellingham’s visible frustration was viewed by Tuchel as a “bad impression” if such displays detract from the team’s values and objectives, especially given England’s collective effort during the qualifiers.
England’s World Cup Qualifiers Record
| Manager | Total Matches | Wins | Goals Conceded |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thomas Tuchel | 8 | 8 | 0 |
