After beating Albania 2-0 on away soil, Thomas Tuchel's England have become just the second European nation – Yugoslavia did it in 1954 – to win 100% of their games in a FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign without conceding. And, despite the success, Ian Wright has slammed the media for trying to create an issue with the talismanic Jude Bellingham.
That said, inside Arena Kombetare on Sunday night, Albania did have the chance to upset the applecart but their composure – or lack thereof – allowed England to draw first blood in the 74th through Harry Kane. The nation's all-time goalscorer, eight minutes later, doubled their lead after meeting Marcus Rashford's pinpoint delivery.
Albania, Serbia, Latvia and Andorra all stood in the way of the Three Lions throughout their successful qualifying campaign – and Tuchel, widely regarded as one of the best managers in world football, and his entourage are finely focused on winning next summer's international showpiece? But, between now and then, the German has plenty to sort out.
That, of course, includes deciding who will be Kane's support act in the No.10 role. Bellingham's the most natural fit and has produced moments of magic for club and country over the years; Phil Foden, in the words of Tuchel, is an out-and-out No.10 rather than a winger and Morgan Rogers has covered himself in glory every time he's played.
Wright Rushes to Bellingham's Defence After Tuchel Quizzed in Post-Match Interview
On Sunday, Bellingham looked frustrated about being substituted off in the 84th minute for Rogers – but that's the nature of someone who wants to play every minute of every game. After beating Sylvinho's Albania thanks to Kane's second-half brace, Tuchel was quizzed about Bellingham's behaviour after being withdrawn from play.
The reporter also brought up an apparent non-celebration for Kane's second goal of the encounter; Tuchel admitted to not seeing it in full and that he'll have to review it. "Did he see already that he needs to go out?" he said before the reporter straight-up claimed that Bellingham – who is admired as one of the best footballers on the planet – was not embracing the 'collective' from afar.
"That's a bad impression. First of all, it's your impression – and this is bad because it should be about the collective and I think what we did in camp is all about the collective. I have to then review it because I was very happy about the goal. I had a quick talk with Morgan Rogers, and I was sure that everyone would celebrate together."
bellingham tuchel
"I will have a look at it," the ex-Chelsea boss claimed. "That is not the image we want to transport because we feel that everyone is committed and everyone also accepts tough decisions – be it before the match or in the match, and it excludes no one."
In the comments of BBC Sport's post was Wright. An England legend who knows full well what it's like to have people trying to stunt his growth, he felt obliged to back up the Los Blancos world-beater as he hit out at the journalist who was trying to stir the pot and create controversy in the empty space between now and the World Cup.
"They need to create this kind of beef because there’s nothing else to talk about till the World Cup so it’s gonna be this all the way to the World Cup. They hate that they can't get to him. They hate that they can't negatively influence his club career like they have done to so many before him. A blessed young man with talent and love in abundance."
Recently, there has been plenty of discourse surrounding Real Madrid's Bellingham and whether he fits into Tuchel's plans or not. The attacking midfielder, though, will point to his clutch moments at Euro 2024 if someone is doubting his influence on England.
Born and raised in Stourbridge, Bellingham rose through Birmingham City's academy ranks before being spotted by Borussia Dortmund, and he moved to Germany in 2020. Three years later, he was Madrid's marquee addition – and his first season in Spain was a joy to watch. All from midfield, he plundered 23 goals and 13 assists.
Jude Bellingham – Career Statistics
Club/Country
Borussia Dortmund
Real Madrid
England
Birmingham City
Internationally, ever since making his debut under Gareth Southgate in November 2020, the 22-year-old talisman has been a brilliant performer for his country. He's scored six goals – including that 95th-minute equaliser against Slovakia last summer – and registered ten assists for his teammates, mostly Kane.
All statistics per Transfermarkt – correct as of 17/11/2025