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For Bellingham to hopes to force his way once again into England’s top starting eleven, he would be wise to cut out the dramatics. His response after noticing that the substitute board was going up following a night of uneven play in Tirana was unacceptable.

"I prefer not to make more out of it but I hold to my words 'conduct is crucial' and respect for the squad members who substitute on," stated Tuchel. "Choices are taken and you need to comply when you're on the field."

The midfielder must understand. There was no call for a tantrum. The captain had only moments earlier made it the national team leading by two in a meaningless match, with only six minutes remaining and Bellingham, after a below-par performance, was just shown a yellow for bringing down the Albanian striker. This was hardly a controversial substitution. Indeed it would have been unwise for Tuchel to keep Bellingham on the pitch given that there was a risk Bellingham would be suspended of the opening game of the World Cup by getting a another booking.

Shifting Focus to Himself

But Bellingham turned the spotlight on himself. No one could overlook the young midfielder's annoyance upon understanding that he would be substituted for Morgan Rogers. He flung his arms in the air and while he exchanged a handshake on his way to the sideline it was obvious that Tuchel did not appreciate it.

This represents the hurdle that Bellingham must overcome. He praised his teammate for providing the assist for the captain to nod home the team's second, but the rest was harmful to his cause. It is not as if complaining was going to alter the decision. Tuchel has stressed repeatedly honoring the team structure and the value of showing proper conduct.

Facing Examination

Bellingham, left out of last month’s squad, has faced close inspection since coming back to the squad in the current camp. Practically his place has been in question and his actions haven't benefited him through his behavior to being taken off as the national team completed a flawless qualification run by defeating a feisty challenge from Albania.

The System and the Setup

As a result the jury is out on whether the team perform optimally when Bellingham plays. The performance was inconclusive. There was experimentation from the manager at the start. He has given England a clear system lately, using a No 6, a central midfielder, a playmaker and dedicated wide players, but there was a different feel versus Albania. Quansah was handed his international debut, Adam Wharton started for the first time at this level and the use of John Stones as a makeshift midfielder meant there was similar look to City's 2023 treble winners.

A Game of Two Halves

Bellingham was a mixed bag. He created an opportunity for Eberechi Eze in the latter period but often looked too desperate to impress. There were a lot of hurried and errant passes. There was a needless bit of aggro with an Albania midfielder early on. The team looked disjointed during most of the second period. One Albania chance came after he lost the ball cheaply. His caution occurred when he lost the ball to Broja and committed a foul on Broja.

Squad Strength Shows

Ultimately the bench quality was decisive. Tuchel introduced the Manchester City player, who looked more comfortable to the position in which Bellingham operated earlier in the match, and Saka. Later Saka provided a set-piece for Kane to break the deadlock. It highlighted that set pieces are going to be vital at the World Cup.

Connection Remains

Still, though, Bellingham was the story. The excellence of Rashford’s assist for Kane's goal was somewhat overlooked due to the fuss of the Rogers substitution. When the match concluded, everyone was watching him. Tuchel came over to his side and guided the Real Madrid midfielder to acknowledge the English fans. Their relationship is not broken. Tuchel hasn't decided to abandon the player just yet. Yet whether Tuchel is inclined to give him the central position is still uncertain.