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Should Bellingham hopes to force his way back into England’s best team, the smart move to do away with the dramatics. His reaction when he saw that his number was being shown after an evening of inconsistency in Tirana was unacceptable.

"I’d rather not blow it out of proportion but I stick to my words 'behaviour is key' and consideration for the players who substitute on," commented the coach. "Decisions are made and you need to comply when you're on the field."

Bellingham has to learn. There was no need for a tantrum. Kane had only moments earlier made it England two goals ahead in a dead rubber match, there were six minutes left and he, who had not played particularly well, had just been booked for a foul on the Albanian striker. This was hardly a questionable change. Indeed it would have been foolish for the head coach to leave Bellingham on because there was a risk the midfielder would be suspended of the first match of the competition by receiving a second caution.

Turning the Spotlight Upon Himself

But Bellingham made himself the center of attention. There was no disguising the 22-year-old’s annoyance upon understanding that his replacement was ready for another player. His arms went up in exasperation and while he exchanged a handshake while heading to the bench it was obvious that the manager was not impressed.

This is the challenge for Bellingham. He applauded Rashford for sending in the ball for Kane to head in his second of the night, but everything else was counterproductive. There was no chance complaining was going to alter the decision. Tuchel has talked so much about honoring the team structure and the value of showing proper conduct.

In the Spotlight

He, not included in the previous squad, has been under scrutiny upon his return to the fold this month. Essentially he was being assessed and he has not done himself any favours with his response to being taken off as England rounded off a flawless qualification run by seeing off a tough opposition from the Albanian team.

The System and the Setup

This implies opinions are divided on how the team function at their best when Bellingham plays. What we saw was not definitive. There was experimentation by the coach at the start. Under him, England have gained England organization and direction over the past few matches, building with a holding player, a central midfielder, a No 10 and specialist wingers, but the approach changed against Albania. Jarell Quansah was made his England debut, Adam Wharton was in the starting lineup at this level and the role of Stones as a makeshift midfielder meant there was passing resemblance to Manchester City’s 2023 treble winners.

Mixed Performance

Bellingham had ups and downs. He set up a shot for Eze after the break but at times seemed too desperate to impress. He made many hurried and errant passes. There was a needless bit of aggro with an Albania midfielder at the beginning. The team looked disjointed after halftime. An opportunity for Albania followed Bellingham squandered possession. His caution came after he was dispossessed from Broja and fouled Broja.

Substitutes Decide

Ultimately the bench quality was decisive. Tuchel threw on the Manchester City player, who looked more comfortable to the position in which Bellingham operated in the opening period, and the Arsenal winger. In time Saka delivered a set-piece for Harry Kane to break the deadlock. It was a reminder that corners and free-kicks will be crucial at the World Cup.

Connection Remains

Still, though, all talk was about Bellingham. The brilliance of Rashford's cross for Kane's goal was somewhat overlooked due to the fuss of the substitution incident. After the final whistle, all eyes were on Bellingham. Tuchel walked up behind him and guided Bellingham to acknowledge the travelling England fans. Their connection is not damaged. Tuchel is not willing to discard Bellingham yet. But if Tuchel is inclined to offer him a starring role remains in doubt.