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Should Bellingham wants to force his way once again into England’s strongest squad, the smart move to cut out the nonsense. His response when he saw that his number was going up after a match of mixed performance in Tirana was not good enough.

"I don’t want to overstate it but I stick to my words 'conduct is crucial' and respect towards the players who enter the game," stated Tuchel. "Choices are taken and you need to comply when you're on the field."

Bellingham has to learn. There was no need for a strop. Harry Kane had just put the Three Lions 2-0 up in a dead rubber qualifier, with only six minutes remaining and the player, after a below-par performance, had just been booked for fouling Armando Broja. This could scarcely be called a debatable decision. Indeed it would have been unwise for the head coach to leave Bellingham on because there was a chance Bellingham would make himself ineligible of the opening game of the World Cup by picking up a second caution.

Drawing Attention to Himself

But Bellingham turned the spotlight on himself. No one could overlook the 22-year-old’s frustration when he clocked that he would be substituted for Morgan Rogers. He flung his arms in the air and even though he exchanged a handshake after making his way to the bench it was obvious that the head coach was not impressed.

This represents the hurdle that Bellingham must overcome. He applauded Marcus Rashford for delivering the cross for Kane to score his second goal, but everything else was self-defeating. It is not as if complaining was going to change Tuchel’s mind. The coach has repeatedly emphasized respecting team hierarchies and the importance of acting professionally.

Under Scrutiny

He, not included in the team last month, has been under scrutiny after returning to the fold in the current camp. Practically his place has been in question and his actions haven't benefited him through his behavior to coming off the pitch as the national team wrapped up a perfect qualifying campaign by seeing off a feisty challenge from Albania.

Tactics and Formation

As a result the jury is out on if the squad function at their best including Bellingham. The evidence here was open to interpretation. Some new ideas were tested from Tuchel 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 it felt different in this match. Jarell Quansah was made his England debut, Wharton was in the starting lineup internationally and the role of Stones as a makeshift midfielder created a faint echo to Manchester City’s team that won three trophies.

Inconsistent Display

Bellingham was a mixed bag. He created an opportunity for Eberechi Eze during the second half but frequently appeared trying too hard. Several rushed, misplaced passes. An unnecessary confrontation with a rival player at the beginning. England were ragged during most of the second period. One Albania chance resulted from he lost the ball cheaply. His caution occurred when he lost the ball to Broja and fouled Broja.

Depth Makes the Difference

In the end the bench quality proved crucial. Tuchel introduced the Manchester City player, who seemed better suited to the spot that Bellingham had played earlier in the match, and Saka. Later Saka delivered a corner for the captain to score the first goal. This served as a reminder that set pieces will play a key role next summer.

Relationship Not Broken

Still, though, all talk was about Bellingham. The quality of the winger's delivery for the second goal was somewhat overlooked in the ridiculousness of the player change. After the final whistle, all eyes were on him. The coach approached from behind and pushed the player to acknowledge the travelling England fans. Their relationship remains intact. Tuchel is not willing to give up on the player just yet. But if Tuchel is inclined to grant him the central position is not guaranteed.