🔗 Share this article

Should Bellingham hopes to earn his place into the English best team, it would be smart to cut out the unnecessary reactions. His response after noticing that the substitute board was going up after an evening of mixed performance in Tirana was unacceptable.

"I prefer not to blow it out of proportion but I hold to my words 'attitude matters' and respect for the players who enter the game," Tuchel said. "Substitutions happen and you need to comply when you're on the field."

There is a lesson for Bellingham. It was unnecessary for a tantrum. Kane had just put the Three Lions two goals ahead in a dead rubber qualifier, with only six minutes remaining and Bellingham, following an inconsistent display, had just been booked for a foul on the Albanian striker. This could scarcely be called a debatable decision. Indeed it would have been unwise for the head coach to keep Bellingham on the pitch because it was possible Bellingham would rule himself out of the initial fixture of the tournament by picking up a second yellow card.

Turning the Spotlight to Himself

Yet Bellingham turned the spotlight on himself. There was no disguising the 22-year-old’s annoyance when he clocked that he would be substituted for a teammate. His arms went up in exasperation and while he exchanged a handshake while heading to the bench there was no doubt that the manager did not appreciate it.

Here lies the test that Bellingham must overcome. He praised Rashford for sending in the ball for Harry Kane to nod home his second goal, but the rest was self-defeating. It's not like complaining was going to alter the decision. The coach has stressed repeatedly following squad protocols and the value of showing proper conduct.

Under Scrutiny

Bellingham, omitted from the previous squad, has faced close inspection since coming back to the fold in the current camp. In effect he was being assessed and his actions haven't benefited him through his behavior to his substitution as the side wrapped up a flawless qualification run by seeing off a spirited effort from their opponents.

The System and the Setup

As a result the jury is out on whether the team function at their best when Bellingham plays. What we saw was open to interpretation. Tuchel tried new things by the coach at the start. He has provided England structure and clarity lately, using a defensive midfielder, a No 8, an attacking midfielder and out-and-out wingers, but there was a different feel in this match. The young defender was made his England debut, Wharton made his first start for England and the positioning of Stones as a makeshift midfielder created a passing resemblance to Manchester City’s team that won three trophies.

Inconsistent Display

Bellingham was a mixed bag. He created an opportunity for Eze after the break but frequently appeared trying too hard. There were a lot of poorly executed passes. A pointless clash with an Albania midfielder early on. England's play was messy for much of the second half. An opportunity for Albania came after he lost the ball cheaply. His caution occurred when he was dispossessed from Broja and brought down the former Chelsea striker.

Squad Strength Shows

Ultimately England’s depth was decisive. Tuchel threw on Phil Foden, who looked more naturally fitted to the spot in which Bellingham operated earlier in the match, and Bukayo Saka. In time Saka provided a corner for Harry Kane to score the first goal. It was a reminder that set pieces will be crucial at the World Cup.

Connection Remains

Still, though, the focus was on Bellingham. The brilliance of Rashford’s assist for Kane's goal was a little lost amid the drama of the substitution incident. At the end, the focus was on Bellingham. Tuchel came over from behind and guided Bellingham towards the English fans. The bond between them is not damaged. Tuchel is not willing to discard the player just yet. Yet whether he is willing to give him centre stage remains in doubt.