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For Bellingham to wants to fight his way back into England’s best team, he would be wise to do away with the dramatics. His response after noticing that he was being shown after an evening of uneven play in Tirana was not good enough.

"I’d rather not overstate it but I hold to my words 'behaviour is key' and consideration for the teammates who come in," stated Tuchel. "Decisions are made and you must accept them when you're on the field."

The midfielder must understand. It was unnecessary for an outburst. The captain had just put the Three Lions leading by two in a meaningless match, with only six minutes remaining and the player, following an inconsistent display, received a caution for a foul on Armando Broja. It was not a debatable decision. Indeed it would have been foolish for the manager to keep Bellingham on the pitch given that there was a risk he would make himself ineligible of the opening game of the World Cup by getting a second yellow card.

Drawing Attention to Himself

But Bellingham turned the spotlight on himself. There was no disguising the player's annoyance upon understanding that his replacement was ready for Morgan Rogers. His arms went up in exasperation and although he shook Tuchel’s hand after making his way to the sideline there was no doubt that the head coach did not appreciate it.

This is the challenge facing Bellingham. He praised Marcus Rashford for delivering the cross for Harry Kane to score his second of the night, but the rest was counterproductive. It's not like protesting was going to reverse the substitution. The coach has stressed repeatedly following squad protocols and the value of acting professionally.

Facing Examination

He, not included in the previous squad, is being watched carefully after returning to the team recently. Practically he has been on trial and he has not done himself any favours through his behavior to being taken off as the side rounded off a ideal group stage by overcoming a spirited effort from the Albanian team.

Tactics and Formation

This implies it's unclear on whether the squad operate most effectively with Bellingham in the team. What we saw was open to interpretation. Tuchel tried new things by the coach early on. He has provided the team a clear system lately, using a defensive midfielder, a No 8, a playmaker and dedicated wide players, but the approach changed against Albania. Quansah was given his first cap, Wharton made his first start at this level and the role of Stones as a makeshift midfielder gave a similar look to the Manchester club's historic treble-winning side.

Mixed Performance

Bellingham had ups and downs. He made a chance for Eberechi Eze in the latter period but frequently appeared trying too hard. He made many rushed, misplaced passes. An unnecessary confrontation with a rival player in the early stages. England were ragged for much of the second half. An opportunity for Albania followed Bellingham squandered possession. His caution occurred when he was dispossessed from Broja and fouled Broja.

Squad Strength Shows

Ultimately England’s depth was decisive. The coach brought on Foden, who appeared better suited to the spot that Bellingham had played earlier in the match, and the Arsenal winger. Eventually Saka provided a set-piece for the captain to break the deadlock. It highlighted that set pieces will be crucial next summer.

Bridge Still Stands

However, Bellingham was the story. The quality of the winger's delivery for Kane's goal was partly forgotten amid the drama of the player change. When the match concluded, everyone was watching Bellingham. Tuchel walked up from behind and directed Bellingham in the direction of the away supporters. Their connection is not damaged. The coach isn't ready to discard Bellingham yet. Yet whether he is willing to offer him the central position is not guaranteed.