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For Bellingham to aims to force his way back into the English top squad, he would be wise to cut out the dramatics. The way he reacted when he saw that his number was going up after an evening of uneven play in Tirana was not good enough.

"I don’t want to blow it out of proportion but I stick to my words 'conduct is crucial' and respect towards the squad members who enter the game," Tuchel said. "Decisions are made and you have to accept it as a player."

There is a lesson for Bellingham. It was unnecessary for a strop. Harry Kane had just put England 2-0 up in an inconsequential qualifier, there were six minutes left and the player, who had not played particularly well, had just been booked for bringing down Armando Broja. It was not a controversial substitution. Actually it might have been reckless for the manager to keep Bellingham on the pitch because it was possible the midfielder would be suspended of the initial fixture of the World Cup by getting a another booking.

Turning the Spotlight Upon Himself

But Bellingham made himself the center of attention. It was impossible to miss the young midfielder's disappointment as he realized that he would be substituted for Morgan Rogers. His arms went up in exasperation and even though he exchanged a handshake while heading to the sideline it was obvious that Tuchel did not appreciate it.

Here lies the test facing Bellingham. He applauded Marcus Rashford for delivering the cross for Kane to score his second goal, but his other actions was harmful to his cause. It is not as if arguing was going to change Tuchel’s mind. The coach has repeatedly emphasized honoring the team structure and the importance of behaving correctly.

Under Scrutiny

Bellingham, omitted from the team last month, is being watched carefully after returning to the fold this month. In effect he has been on trial and his actions haven't benefited him through his behavior to coming off the pitch as the side rounded off a perfect qualifying campaign by overcoming a spirited effort from their opponents.

Tactics and Formation

This implies opinions are divided on whether the squad perform optimally including Bellingham. What we saw was not definitive. Tuchel tried new things from the manager in the beginning. He has given the squad organization and direction in recent months, using a defensive midfielder, a No 8, a No 10 and out-and-out wingers, but the approach changed versus Albania. Quansah was handed his international debut, Wharton was in the starting lineup for England and the use of the defender as a part-time midfielder gave a similar look to Manchester City’s 2023 treble winners.

A Game of Two Halves

Bellingham had ups and downs. He made a chance for Eberechi Eze during the second half but at times seemed overly eager to shine. He made many poorly executed passes. An unnecessary confrontation against an opponent at the beginning. The team looked disjointed after halftime. An opportunity for Albania came after Bellingham gave the ball away. His caution occurred when an opponent took the ball by Broja and committed a foul on the attacker.

Substitutes Decide

In the end the bench quality proved crucial. Tuchel introduced the Manchester City player, who appeared more naturally fitted to the position occupied by Bellingham in the opening period, and the Arsenal winger. Eventually Saka delivered a corner for Kane to open the scoring. It highlighted that dead-ball situations will play a key role at the World Cup.

Connection Remains

However, the focus was on Bellingham. The brilliance of the winger's delivery for the second goal was somewhat overlooked in the ridiculousness of the Rogers substitution. After the final whistle, everyone was watching him. Tuchel came over from behind and pushed the player in the direction of the travelling England fans. Their relationship is not damaged. Tuchel hasn't decided to give up on the player just yet. However, whether Tuchel is inclined to offer him the central position remains in doubt.