“Accept It”: Tuchel warns Jude Bellingham after substitution rant

England coach Thomas Tuchel says Jude Bellingham must accept his decisions after the midfielder expressed frustration at being substituted near the end of a 2-0 win over Albania in World Cup European qualifying on Sunday.

Named man of the match, Bellingham was booked in the 80th minute of the match and he was taken off four minutes later after making his first England start since June.

However, the 22-year-old Real Madrid star was not pleased with Tuchel’s decision as he put his arms in the air in frustration, having seen Morgan Rogers waiting to replace him on the touchline.

Jude Bellingham walks past Thomas Tuchel after being substituted during the World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Albania and England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

When asked whether Bellingham is possibly not buying into the collective of the England team, he told reporters: “That is a bad impression. It should be about the collective. What we did in camp is all about the collective. I have to then review it – I was happy about the goal. I had a quick talk with Morgan Rogers and I was sure that everyone celebrated together. I will have a look at it. That is not the image we want to transport. We feel everyone is committed and that everyone accepts tough decisions, be it before the match or in the match.”

The German added about the substitution: “He [Bellingham] has to accept it, he has to accept it. We should not make more out of it than it is. Rogers was not happy when he couldn’t start today because he deserves to play, and he wants to play all the time. We gave him a bit of a rest because he came with a lot of minutes playing at club [level] and played for us against Serbia. I also don’t want to make more out of it. I stick to my words – behaviour is key. Decisions are made, and you have to accept it as a player.”

Tuchel also praised his players involved in the campaign which saw England win all eight games with no goals conceded.

“Congratulations to them, it was a pleasure to fight with them and push them from the sidelines,” he said.

Having qualified for the World Cup, England’s fixtures ahead of next year’s tournament in North America are yet to be confirmed, but it will be interesting to see what role Bellingham will play in Tuchel’s plans going forward.