🔗 Share this article

Should Bellingham wants to earn his place into the English top starting eleven, it would be smart to cut out the unnecessary reactions. His response when he saw that his number was about to come up following a night of inconsistency in Tirana was unacceptable.

"I prefer not to overstate it but I stick to my words 'conduct is crucial' and respect towards the teammates who substitute on," stated Tuchel. "Choices are taken and you must accept them as a player."

Bellingham has to learn. There was no call for a tantrum. Kane had recently scored to make the national team two goals ahead in a meaningless match, with only six minutes remaining and the player, following an inconsistent display, received a caution for bringing down an opponent. It was not a questionable change. Actually it would have been unwise for the head coach to leave Bellingham on given that there was a risk Bellingham would be suspended of the first match of the World Cup by receiving a second caution.

Drawing Attention on Himself

However, the player made himself the center of attention. It was impossible to miss the young midfielder's disappointment as he realized that his replacement was ready for another player. His arms went up in exasperation and even though he exchanged a handshake on his way to the bench there was no doubt that Tuchel was not impressed.

Here lies the test for Bellingham. He praised Marcus Rashford for sending in the ball for Harry Kane to head in his second of the night, but his other actions was counterproductive. It is not as if protesting was going to alter the decision. The coach has talked so much about following squad protocols and the necessity of showing proper conduct.

Facing Examination

Bellingham, left out of last month’s squad, has faced close inspection since coming back to the fold in the current camp. Practically his place has been in question and he hasn't helped his case through his behavior to being taken off as England rounded off a flawless qualification run by seeing off a feisty challenge from Albania.

The Coach's Plan

As a result it's unclear on how England perform optimally including Bellingham. The performance was open to interpretation. Some new ideas were tested by the coach early on. Under him, England have gained the squad organization and direction lately, employing a No 6, a box-to-box player, an attacking midfielder and dedicated wide players, but there was a different feel in this match. Quansah was handed his international debut, the midfielder made his first start for England and the use of Stones as a part-time midfielder gave a faint echo to Manchester City’s historic treble-winning side.

Mixed Performance

His performance was inconsistent. He set up a shot for Eze during the second half but often looked trying too hard. Several poorly executed passes. An unnecessary confrontation against an opponent in the early stages. England's play was messy for much of the second half. An opportunity for Albania resulted from he lost the ball cheaply. The yellow card was shown after an opponent took the ball to Broja and brought down the former Chelsea striker.

Squad Strength Shows

In the end England’s depth proved crucial. The coach brought on Foden, who appeared more naturally fitted to the role occupied by Bellingham in the opening period, and Saka. Eventually Saka whipped in a corner for the captain to open the scoring. It was a reminder that dead-ball situations are going to be vital in the upcoming tournament.

Bridge Still Stands

Still, though, all talk was about Bellingham. The excellence of the winger's delivery for the second goal was partly forgotten amid the drama of the substitution incident. At the end, everyone was watching Bellingham. The coach approached behind him and guided the player in the direction of the English fans. The bond between them remains intact. Tuchel hasn't decided to discard him at this stage. But if he is willing to grant him a starring role is still uncertain.