Jude Bellingham is the second-best English player in the world, second only to Harry Kane. Since they both play in different positions, you would assume that both are cemented players in the Three Lions starting XI, right?
Wrong. Jude Bellingham was once a sure starter for England, but that was when they were coached by Gareth Southgate. Ever since Gareth Southgate was replaced by Thomas Tuchel, Bellingham's England career has been up in the air.
During this international break, the Real Madrid star has only played a measly 109 minutes across two games. He was replaced in the starting XI by Morgan Rogers initially, and then given his spot back in the second match against Albania.
When Bellingham was subbed off before the 90-minute mark, he was angry. He was visibly angry too, in a way that most Real Madrid players would be when they're deprived of their greatest strength: playing football.
Thomas Tuchel explains why he benched Jude Bellingham
Speaking after the match, Thomas Tuchel addressed the fiery reaction from Jude Bellingham and even explained his thinking. Real Madrid fans, though, come out of it more confused than before he said anything.
In his own words, Tuchel said: “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”.
But Bellingham did accept it. He didn't do a Kepa special by staying on the pitch after being asked to leave. He accepted the decision, and came off the pitch.
So, Tuchel has misplaced the blame here. Telling Bellingham to accept the decision is like asking water to be wet. Bellingham never refused the decision.
Reading between the lines, then, Tuchel is unhappy with Bellingham for causing a scene when coming off. Which is fine, Tuchel is allowed to be disappointed about it, but imagine if it were the opposite.
Imagine if Bellingham had a smile on his face to come off after not getting a goal return. You could bet your last dollar that the English press would hound him for having a bad mentality.
The moral of the story is that English players can never do anything right. Bellingham should never be happy with not playing. It's that part of his personality that has allowed him to achieve so much at this young age.