Tuchel sets clear boundaries for Bellingham following England midfielder's irritation

Thomas Tuchel cautioned Jude Bellingham to honour his choices after the England midfielder displayed annoyance when substituted in Sundays 2-0 victory over Albania.

Tuchels team completed a perfect World Cup qualification effort as Harry Kanes late brace confirmed their eighth consecutive Group K success.

Bellingham returned to the England starting eleven for the first time since June following Tuchels decision to limit him to a substitute role in Thursdays triumph against Serbia.

However the Real Madrid talent who had already received a yellow card appeared clearly displeased when Tuchel withdrew him six minutes before the end in Tirana.

Spotting Morgan Rogers ready to enter on the sidelines the 22-year-old raised his arms skyward shortly after Kanes second strike.

This marked the most recent tension between Tuchel and Bellingham since the England manager had to issue an apology for stating his mother viewed some of the midfielders field behaviour as off-putting.

Bellinghams skill is undeniable yet he remains a divisive personality with reports suggesting certain members of the England setup feel he is overly focused on himself.

Tuchel sparked surprise by omitting Bellingham from the October internationals while asserting the player was eager to participate.

He then informed Bellingham that earning a spot in the World Cup lineup would require competition as Aston Villas Rogers had excelled in his absence.

The German promptly addressed the matter with Bellingham post the Sundays events.

That is the call and he must embrace it Tuchel stated. His teammate awaits on the bench so acceptance and appreciation are essential along with moving forward.

I prefer not to dwell on it further but I maintain my stance. Conduct matters greatly and courtesy towards incoming colleagues is vital.

Queried on whether Bellinghams response indicated a lack of regard for Tuchels collective approach the England head coach replied: I will need to assess it. I noticed his unhappiness.

To some extent with talents like Jude who thrive on competition they rarely appreciate such moves but as mentioned my position holds firm.

It concerns expectations standards and mutual dedication plus respect. Our choices remain unaltered regardless of arm gestures.

Ongoing development

Though he shared a handshake with Tuchel before sitting the bench Bellinghams discontent may linger over England until the group assembles again for two friendlies in March.

By that point Tuchel will have observed the World Cup group stage draw in December as preparations advance for the event in the United States Mexico and Canada.

Certain observers argue the weak Group K opponents might have overstated Englands prowess.

Nevertheless following an initial sluggish phase it has proven a strong debut year for Tuchel.

England stands as the initial European nation to conclude a World Cup qualifying series of at least six games with full victories and no goals conceded.

Silver medallists in the previous two European Championship competitions they enter as top World Cup contenders pursuing their first major honour since 1966.

I hesitate to consider a potential starting lineup for the World Cup given the many months ahead Tuchel noted.

I simply reminded the players I believe we showed steady improvement across the three gatherings. That was our aim.

Congratulations to them it was enjoyable to battle alongside and urge them from the touchline.