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If Jude Bellingham wants to fight his way into the English best starting eleven, it would be smart to cut out the unnecessary reactions. The way he reacted upon realizing that his number was being shown after an evening of inconsistency in Tirana fell short of expectations.

"I’d rather not overstate it but I stick to my words 'conduct is crucial' and consideration for the squad members who come in," stated Tuchel. "Choices are taken and you need to comply being a professional."

Bellingham has to learn. It was unnecessary for a strop. The captain had just put England two goals ahead in an inconsequential qualifier, there were six minutes left and Bellingham, who had not played particularly well, was just shown a yellow for fouling an opponent. This was hardly a controversial substitution. Actually it would have been unwise for the manager to leave Bellingham on given that there was a risk Bellingham would make himself ineligible of the initial fixture of the tournament by receiving a second caution.

Shifting Focus Upon Himself

However, the player turned the spotlight on himself. It was impossible to miss the young midfielder's annoyance upon understanding that he would be substituted for Morgan Rogers. He flung his arms in the air and even though he accepted the coach's hand on his way to the touchline it was obvious that Tuchel was not impressed.

This represents the hurdle that Bellingham must overcome. He praised Marcus Rashford for providing the assist for the captain to nod home his second goal, but his other actions was self-defeating. There was no chance arguing was going to alter the decision. The coach has stressed repeatedly honoring the team structure and the importance of acting professionally.

Facing Examination

Bellingham, not included in the previous squad, has faced close inspection since coming back to the squad recently. In effect his place has been in question and he has not done himself any favours through his behavior to his substitution as the side wrapped up a perfect qualifying campaign by overcoming a tough opposition from their opponents.

The Coach's Plan

As a result opinions are divided on whether the squad function at their best including Bellingham. The evidence here was open to interpretation. Some new ideas were tested from Tuchel early on. He has given England structure and clarity lately, using a No 6, a No 8, a playmaker and out-and-out wingers, but it felt different in this match. Jarell Quansah was given his first cap, the midfielder made his first start for England and the role of John Stones as a part-time midfielder meant there was faint echo to City's 2023 treble winners.

Mixed Performance

Bellingham was a mixed bag. He created an opportunity for Eberechi Eze during the second half but at times seemed trying too hard. He made many poorly executed passes. There was a needless bit of aggro with an Albania midfielder at the beginning. England were ragged for much of the second half. A scoring chance for the opponents resulted from Bellingham squandered possession. His caution came after he was dispossessed from Broja and brought down the attacker.

Depth Makes the Difference

Ultimately England’s depth made the difference. Tuchel threw on the Manchester City player, who seemed better suited to the role that Bellingham had played in the opening period, and the Arsenal winger. Later Saka delivered a corner kick for the captain to open the scoring. It highlighted that dead-ball situations will be crucial in the upcoming tournament.

Connection Remains

However, Bellingham was the story. The brilliance of Rashford's cross for the second goal was a little lost in the ridiculousness of the substitution incident. When the match concluded, the focus was on him. Tuchel walked up from behind and pushed Bellingham to acknowledge the travelling England fans. The bond between them is not damaged. The coach isn't ready to discard the player just yet. However, whether he is willing to grant him centre stage is still uncertain.