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If Jude Bellingham hopes to earn his place back into the English top squad, the smart move to eliminate the unnecessary reactions. The way he reacted when he saw that his number was about to come up after a match of uneven play in Tirana was unacceptable.

"I’d rather not overstate it but I hold to my words 'conduct is crucial' and respect towards the squad members who enter the game," stated Tuchel. "Choices are taken and you must accept them being a professional."

Bellingham has to learn. It was unnecessary for an outburst. Kane had just put England leading by two in a meaningless qualifier, with only six minutes remaining and Bellingham, who had not played particularly well, had just been booked for bringing down Armando Broja. It was not a questionable change. Indeed it would have been unwise for Tuchel to keep Bellingham on the pitch given that it was possible the midfielder would make himself ineligible of the first match of the World Cup by picking up a second caution.

Drawing Attention on Himself

However, the player drew all eyes toward himself. It was impossible to miss the young midfielder's annoyance upon understanding that he was going to make way for a teammate. He threw his arms up and although 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 Marcus Rashford for providing the assist for the captain to nod home his second of the night, but his other actions was self-defeating. It is not as if complaining was going to change Tuchel’s mind. The German has talked so much about following squad protocols and the value of acting professionally.

In the Spotlight

He, left out of the team last month, has been under scrutiny upon his return to the squad this month. Practically he was being assessed and he hasn't helped his case through his behavior to being taken off as the national team wrapped up a perfect qualifying campaign by defeating a spirited effort from the Albanian team.

The System and the Setup

This implies opinions are divided on whether the team operate most effectively with Bellingham in the team. The performance was inconclusive. Some new ideas were tested from the manager at the start. He has provided England a clear system lately, building with a defensive midfielder, a central midfielder, a playmaker and dedicated wide players, but it felt different in this match. Jarell Quansah was handed his international debut, Wharton started for the first time for England and the use of Stones as a makeshift midfielder gave a similar look to Manchester City’s 2023 treble winners.

A Game of Two Halves

His performance was inconsistent. He made a chance for his teammate in the latter period but often looked overly eager to shine. Several hurried and errant passes. A pointless clash with an Albania midfielder at the beginning. The team looked disjointed for much of the second half. A scoring chance for the opponents came after Bellingham gave the ball away. His booking occurred when he lost the ball by Broja and fouled the attacker.

Squad Strength Shows

Ultimately England’s depth proved crucial. Tuchel threw on Phil Foden, who appeared more naturally fitted to the role occupied by Bellingham in the opening period, and Saka. In time Saka delivered a set-piece for Kane to score the first goal. This served as a reminder that set pieces are going to be vital in the upcoming tournament.

Relationship Not Broken

Nevertheless, Bellingham was the story. The quality of Rashford's cross for the second goal was somewhat overlooked amid the drama of the player change. After the final whistle, everyone was watching Bellingham. Tuchel walked up to his side and guided the player towards the English fans. The bond between them is not damaged. Tuchel hasn't decided to discard Bellingham yet. But if the coach is prepared to give him a starring role is still uncertain.