🔗 Share this article

Should Bellingham wants to force his way once again into England’s top team, he would be wise to do away with the nonsense. His reaction when he saw that he was about to come up after a match of uneven play in Tirana was unacceptable.

"I don’t want to make more out of it but I stick to my words 'conduct is crucial' and respect for the players who enter the game," commented the coach. "Substitutions happen and you have to accept it being a professional."

There is a lesson for Bellingham. There was no call for a tantrum. Kane had recently scored to make the Three Lions leading by two in an inconsequential fixture, there were six minutes left and he, after a below-par performance, received a caution for bringing down an opponent. This could scarcely be called a debatable decision. In fact it might have been reckless for the manager to leave Bellingham on because there was a chance the midfielder would rule himself out of the first match of the World Cup by receiving a second yellow card.

Shifting Focus Upon Himself

Yet Bellingham made himself the center of attention. There was no disguising the 22-year-old’s annoyance upon understanding that he would be substituted for a teammate. He flung his arms in the air and while he exchanged a handshake after making his way to the touchline there was no doubt that Tuchel was not impressed.

This represents the hurdle facing Bellingham. He applauded Rashford for providing the assist for the captain to score his second goal, but the rest was harmful to his cause. It is not as if arguing was going to alter the decision. The coach has talked so much about following squad protocols and the necessity of behaving correctly.

Facing Examination

He, omitted from the team last month, has faced close inspection since coming back to the fold in the current camp. In effect he was being assessed and he hasn't helped his case with his response to being taken off as the side wrapped up a ideal group stage by overcoming a feisty challenge from Albania.

The System and the Setup

It means opinions are divided on how the squad function at their best with Bellingham in the team. The evidence here was open to interpretation. Tuchel tried new things from the manager in the beginning. He has provided the team structure and clarity lately, building with a No 6, a box-to-box player, a No 10 and specialist wingers, but there was a different feel in this match. Jarell Quansah was given his first cap, Adam Wharton was in the starting lineup at this level and the role of John Stones as a makeshift midfielder gave a passing resemblance to City's team that won three trophies.

Mixed Performance

Bellingham was a mixed bag. He created an opportunity for Eberechi Eze during the second half but at times seemed overly eager to shine. Several rushed, misplaced passes. There was a needless bit of aggro against an opponent early on. England's play was messy after halftime. One Albania chance resulted from he lost the ball cheaply. His caution was shown after he was dispossessed to Broja and brought down the former Chelsea striker.

Squad Strength Shows

Finally England’s depth made the difference. Tuchel introduced Foden, who looked better suited to the position that Bellingham had played during the first half, and the Arsenal winger. In time Saka whipped in a corner for the captain to break the deadlock. It highlighted that corners and free-kicks will play a key role next summer.

Bridge Still Stands

Nevertheless, Bellingham was the story. The excellence of the winger's delivery for Kane's goal was a little lost due to the fuss of the substitution incident. At the end, the focus was on him. The coach approached from behind and guided the Real Madrid midfielder towards the travelling England fans. The bond between them is not broken. Tuchel is not willing to discard Bellingham yet. But if he is willing to offer him the central position is not guaranteed.