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If Jude Bellingham aims to force his way back into England’s top squad, he would be wise to cut out the dramatics. His reaction upon realizing that the substitute board was being shown after an evening of mixed performance in Tirana fell short of expectations.

"I’d rather not blow it out of proportion but I stand by my words 'behaviour is key' and respect for the players who enter the game," stated Tuchel. "Decisions are made and you need to comply when you're on the field."

There is a lesson for Bellingham. There was no call for a tantrum. Harry Kane had only moments earlier made it the national team two goals ahead in an inconsequential qualifier, with only six minutes remaining and he, who had not played particularly well, was just shown a yellow for bringing down an opponent. This was hardly a controversial substitution. Indeed it might have been reckless for the manager to keep Bellingham on the pitch given that it was possible he would rule himself out of the first match of the World Cup by receiving a second yellow card.

Turning the Spotlight Upon Himself

Yet Bellingham drew all eyes toward himself. There was no disguising the player's frustration as he realized that he was going to make way for Morgan Rogers. He flung his arms in the air and even though he exchanged a handshake while heading to the touchline there was no doubt that Tuchel was not impressed.

This is the challenge facing Bellingham. He applauded his teammate for sending in the ball for Kane to head in his second of the night, but his other actions was counterproductive. There was no chance arguing was going to alter the decision. The coach has stressed repeatedly respecting team hierarchies and the importance of acting professionally.

Under Scrutiny

Bellingham, omitted from the previous squad, has been under scrutiny after returning to the fold this month. Essentially his place has been in question and he hasn't helped his case through his behavior to his substitution as the side rounded off a perfect qualifying campaign by seeing off a tough opposition from their opponents.

Tactics and Formation

As a result it's unclear on how England function at their best when Bellingham plays. The performance was not definitive. There was experimentation by the coach at the start. He has given the squad structure and clarity over the past few matches, using a No 6, a central midfielder, an attacking midfielder and specialist wingers, but there was a different feel in this match. The young defender was handed his international debut, Adam Wharton started for the first time internationally and the use of Stones as an auxiliary midfielder meant there was passing resemblance to Manchester City’s 2023 treble winners.

Mixed Performance

Bellingham had ups and downs. He created an opportunity for Eze after the break but at times seemed trying too hard. He made many hurried and errant passes. An unnecessary confrontation with a rival player early on. England's play was messy after halftime. A scoring chance for the opponents came after Bellingham gave the ball away. His booking occurred when he was dispossessed to Broja and committed a foul on the attacker.

Substitutes Decide

In the end the bench quality proved crucial. Tuchel threw on Phil Foden, who seemed better suited to the position in which Bellingham operated during the first half, and Saka. Later Saka delivered a corner kick for Harry Kane to score the first goal. This served as a reminder that dead-ball situations are going to be vital in the upcoming tournament.

Bridge Still Stands

Nevertheless, the focus was on Bellingham. The excellence of Rashford's cross for the second goal was a little lost due to the fuss of the player change. After the final whistle, the focus was on the midfielder. Tuchel came over from behind and directed the player in the direction of the away supporters. Their relationship remains intact. Tuchel is not willing to give up on him at this stage. But if he is willing to give him the central position remains in doubt.