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Should Bellingham wants to earn his place once again into the English strongest starting eleven, the smart move to do away with the dramatics. His response after noticing that he was going up following a night of inconsistency in the match against Albania was unacceptable.

"I prefer not to make more out of it but I stand by my words 'conduct is crucial' and respect towards the teammates who enter the game," commented the coach. "Decisions are made and you must accept them as a player."

The midfielder must understand. There was no need for a tantrum. Harry Kane had only moments earlier made it the Three Lions 2-0 up in an inconsequential fixture, the game had six minutes to go and the player, who had not played particularly well, received a caution for fouling Armando Broja. This was hardly a questionable change. Actually it would have been unwise for the manager to not substitute him considering it was possible Bellingham would be suspended of the opening game of the tournament by getting a another booking.

Drawing Attention to Himself

However, the player drew all eyes toward himself. There was no disguising the young midfielder's disappointment when he clocked that he was going to make way for a teammate. He flung his arms in the air and although he accepted the coach's hand on his way to the touchline there was no doubt that the head coach did not appreciate it.

This is the challenge for Bellingham. He praised his teammate for sending in the ball for Harry Kane to head in the team's second, but his other actions was counterproductive. There was no chance arguing was going to change Tuchel’s mind. The coach has repeatedly emphasized respecting team hierarchies and the necessity of behaving correctly.

Under Scrutiny

Bellingham, not included in the previous squad, has been under scrutiny upon his return to the team recently. In effect his place has been in question and he hasn't helped his case through his behavior to his substitution as England wrapped up a perfect qualifying campaign by defeating a spirited effort from the Albanian team.

The System and the Setup

As a result it's unclear on whether the team operate most effectively with Bellingham in the team. The performance was not definitive. There was experimentation from Tuchel in the beginning. Under him, England have gained the team organization and direction over the past few matches, employing a holding player, a central midfielder, an attacking midfielder and specialist wingers, but there was a different feel against Albania. Jarell Quansah was handed his international debut, Wharton was in the starting lineup internationally and the role of Stones as a makeshift midfielder created a faint echo to the Manchester club's 2023 treble winners.

A Game of Two Halves

Bellingham was a mixed bag. He made a chance for Eberechi Eze during the second half but at times seemed too desperate to impress. Several hurried and errant passes. A pointless clash against an opponent in the early stages. England were ragged during most of the second period. One Albania chance followed Bellingham gave the ball away. His booking was shown after he was dispossessed to Broja and fouled Broja.

Depth Makes the Difference

Finally the squad's strength proved crucial. Tuchel introduced the Manchester City player, who looked more naturally fitted to the position that Bellingham had played earlier in the match, and Saka. Later Saka whipped in a corner kick for Harry Kane to open the scoring. It was a reminder that corners and free-kicks are going to be vital at the World Cup.

Relationship Not Broken

However, Bellingham was the story. The quality of Rashford’s assist for Kane's goal was a little lost due to the fuss of the player change. After the final whistle, the focus was on him. Tuchel walked up from behind and directed Bellingham to acknowledge the away supporters. Their connection is not damaged. The coach isn't ready to give up on him at this stage. But if Tuchel is inclined to grant him a starring role remains in doubt.