THOMAS TUCHEL told “unhappy” Jude Bellingham that throwing a strop will make no difference to his calls as England boss.
, 22, shook his head and waved his arms in the air after his number came up to be substituted in the 84th minute against Albania.
England star Jude Bellingham shook his head and waved his arms in the air after being substitutedCredit: The FA via Getty Images
Bellingham reluctantly walked off to be replaced by Morgan Rogers before shaking hands with Thomas TuchelCredit: Getty Images
The star, who was on a booking, eventually reluctantly walked off to be replaced by Morgan Rogers, before shaking hands with Tuchel.
Three Lions chief said: “He didn’t like it but no one likes it. That’s how it is.
“Morgan didn’t like it to be out and also did not deserve to be out. It was a decision.”
Tuchel revealed the decision to sub Bellingham had been made before as the midfielder was on a yellow.
Just 24 hours earlier Tuchel had warned his players to ensure they did not get sent off and risk being banned for the opening matches of the World Cup .
The German added: “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.”
Bellingham had been recalled to the starting line-up after being at Wembley in favour of Rogers.
He played well, playing a lovely one-two with which led to a Jarrod Bowen chance in the first half, before teeing up Eberechi Eze with a gorgeous pass after the break.
Bellingham also at the interval after the Torino midfielder looked to have requested his top.
Tuchel added: “It is a thing now. I don’t like it so much, I’m a bit old school and thought I would never give the impression at half-time to an opponent that I want to have his shirt.
“But I think we have to accept new times.”
On his player swapping shirts with Bellingham, Albania chief Sylvinho said: “It’s normal. No worries about it. You’re talking about unbelievable players. No problem at all.”
