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England Finish Perfect Qualifying as Tuchel Plays Down Bellingham Sub Reaction

Tuchel said the booking prompted the late change.

Soccer Football - World Cup - UEFA Qualifiers - Group K - Albania v England - Air Albania Stadium, Tirana, Albania - November 16, 2025 England's Jude Bellingham shakes hands with manager Thomas Tuchel after being substituted Action Images via Reuters/Peter Cziborra
Soccer Football - World Cup - UEFA Qualifiers - Group K - Albania v England - Air Albania Stadium, Tirana, Albania - November 16, 2025 England manager Thomas Tuchel embraces Jarell Quansah after the match Action Images via Reuters/Peter Cziborra
Soccer Football - World Cup - UEFA Qualifiers - Group K - Albania v England - Air Albania Stadium, Tirana, Albania - November 16, 2025 England manager Thomas Tuchel talks to Jude Bellingham REUTERS/Florion Goga
Soccer Football - World Cup - UEFA Qualifiers - Group K - Albania v England - Air Albania Stadium, Tirana, Albania - November 16, 2025 England manager Thomas Tuchel talks to Jude Bellingham REUTERS/Florion Goga

Overview

  • Harry Kane scored both goals in Tirana as England beat Albania 2-0 to complete qualifying with eight wins, 22 scored and none conceded.
  • Jude Bellingham started, produced a widely praised through ball to Eberechi Eze, missed chances, was booked and was replaced by Morgan Rogers around the 84th minute.
  • Thomas Tuchel defended the substitution, said the decision stood because Bellingham was on a yellow card, and noted he would review the player’s visible frustration.
  • Tuchel reiterated his emphasis on standards and the collective, saying England will not alter decisions due to arm‑waving, while pundits lauded Bellingham’s creativity.
  • The episode feeds a continuing selection debate for the No.10 role after Bellingham’s earlier omissions, with England not scheduled to play again until March.