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If Jude Bellingham hopes to force his way back into the English top starting eleven, the smart move to do away with the nonsense. His response after noticing that he was about to come up after a match of mixed performance in Tirana was not good enough.

"I’d rather not overstate it but I stand by my words 'behaviour is key' and consideration for the players who come in," commented the coach. "Decisions are made and you need to comply as a player."

There is a lesson for Bellingham. There was no need for a tantrum. Harry Kane had only moments earlier made it the Three Lions 2-0 up in a dead rubber qualifier, with only six minutes remaining and he, after a below-par performance, was just shown a yellow for fouling Armando Broja. It was not a questionable change. Indeed it might have been reckless for the head coach to leave Bellingham on given that there was a chance he would be suspended of the initial fixture of the World Cup by getting a second caution.

Drawing Attention to Himself

Yet Bellingham made himself the center of attention. It was impossible to miss the 22-year-old’s annoyance upon understanding that he would be substituted for Morgan Rogers. His arms went up in exasperation and while he exchanged a handshake while heading to the sideline it was obvious that the manager did not appreciate it.

This is the challenge facing Bellingham. He applauded his teammate for delivering the cross for Harry Kane to nod home his second of the night, but everything else was counterproductive. There was no chance complaining was going to change Tuchel’s mind. The German has repeatedly emphasized following squad protocols and the necessity of showing proper conduct.

Under Scrutiny

He, left out of the previous squad, has been under scrutiny upon his return to the team in the current camp. Practically his place has been in question and his actions haven't benefited him through his behavior to coming off the pitch as England rounded off a perfect qualifying campaign by defeating a spirited effort from their opponents.

The Coach's Plan

It means opinions are divided on whether the squad operate most effectively including Bellingham. The evidence here was inconclusive. Tuchel tried new things from Tuchel at the start. He has provided the squad a clear system lately, building with a defensive midfielder, a box-to-box player, a playmaker and dedicated wide players, but it felt different against Albania. Jarell Quansah was made his England debut, Wharton was in the starting lineup internationally and the role 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 set up a shot for his teammate in the latter period but often looked too desperate to impress. There were a lot of poorly executed passes. There was a needless bit of aggro against an opponent in the early stages. England's play was messy for much of the second half. One Albania chance came after Bellingham gave the ball away. His caution came after he lost the ball by Broja and fouled the former Chelsea striker.

Substitutes Decide

In the end the bench quality made the difference. The coach brought on Phil Foden, who appeared better suited to the position in which Bellingham operated during the first half, and Saka. Eventually Saka provided a set-piece for the captain to open the scoring. It highlighted that dead-ball situations are going to be vital in the upcoming tournament.

Relationship Not Broken

Still, though, Bellingham was the story. The excellence of Rashford's cross for the second goal was somewhat overlooked amid the drama of the player change. After the final whistle, the focus was on him. Tuchel walked up to his side and directed Bellingham in the direction of the English fans. Their relationship is not broken. The coach isn't ready to abandon Bellingham yet. However, whether he is willing to give him the central position remains in doubt.