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If Jude Bellingham hopes to force his way back into the English strongest team, he would be wise to eliminate the nonsense. 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 make more out of it but I stand by my words 'behaviour is key' and respect for the squad members who substitute on," stated Tuchel. "Substitutions happen and you must accept them being a professional."

There is a lesson for Bellingham. It was unnecessary for an outburst. Harry Kane had only moments earlier made it the Three Lions two goals ahead in a dead rubber qualifier, there were six minutes left and the player, following an inconsistent display, received a caution for bringing down an opponent. This could scarcely be called a controversial substitution. In fact it might have been reckless for the manager to leave Bellingham on because there was a risk he would be suspended of the initial fixture of the competition by receiving a another booking.

Shifting Focus Upon Himself

However, the player made himself the center of attention. There was no disguising the 22-year-old’s frustration when he clocked that he was going to make way for Morgan Rogers. His arms went up in exasperation and while he shook Tuchel’s hand while heading to the sideline there was no doubt that the manager was not impressed.

This represents the hurdle for Bellingham. He congratulated his teammate for delivering the cross for Kane to nod home the team's second, but his other actions was counterproductive. There was no chance protesting was going to reverse the substitution. The German has repeatedly emphasized following squad protocols and the importance of acting professionally.

Under Scrutiny

Bellingham, not included in the team last month, has been under scrutiny since coming back to the squad in the current camp. Essentially he has been on trial and his actions haven't benefited him by reacting to being taken off as the side wrapped up a ideal group stage by overcoming a tough opposition from the Albanian team.

Tactics and Formation

It means opinions are divided on if the team function at their best including Bellingham. What we saw was open to interpretation. Tuchel tried new things by the coach in the beginning. Under him, England have gained England organization and direction over the past few matches, employing a No 6, a box-to-box player, a playmaker and specialist wingers, but the approach changed in this match. The young defender was given his first cap, Adam Wharton made his first start internationally and the positioning of Stones as a part-time midfielder gave a faint echo to City's 2023 treble winners.

Mixed Performance

His performance was inconsistent. He set up a shot for Eberechi Eze in the latter period but frequently appeared too desperate to impress. There were a lot of rushed, misplaced passes. An unnecessary confrontation with a rival player at the beginning. England's play was messy during most of the second period. An opportunity for Albania followed Bellingham gave the ball away. The yellow card came after an opponent took the ball from Broja and brought down the attacker.

Substitutes Decide

In the end the bench quality made the difference. Tuchel introduced the Manchester City player, who appeared more naturally fitted to the spot that Bellingham had played earlier in the match, and the Arsenal winger. In time Saka whipped in a corner kick for Kane to score the first goal. It highlighted that corners and free-kicks are going to be vital at the World Cup.

Connection Remains

However, all talk was about Bellingham. The quality of the winger's delivery for the second goal was a little lost in the ridiculousness of the substitution incident. At the end, all eyes were on him. Tuchel walked up to his side and pushed the Real Madrid midfielder in the direction of the away supporters. Their connection is not broken. Tuchel is not willing to give up on the player just yet. However, whether he is willing to grant him a starring role remains in doubt.