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If Jude Bellingham aims to fight his way into the English top team, he would be wise to cut out the dramatics. His response when he saw that he was being shown after an evening of inconsistency in the match against Albania was unacceptable.

"I prefer not to make more out of it but I stick to my words 'conduct is crucial' and respect towards the squad members who come in," commented the coach. "Decisions are made and you need to comply as a player."

The midfielder must understand. It was unnecessary for a tantrum. Harry Kane had recently scored to make the national team leading by two in a dead rubber qualifier, the game had six minutes to go and he, after a below-par performance, was just shown a yellow for a foul on an opponent. This could scarcely be called a debatable decision. In fact it would have been unwise for Tuchel to leave Bellingham on given that there was a risk the midfielder would rule himself out of the first match of the World Cup by picking up a another booking.

Drawing Attention on Himself

Yet Bellingham turned the spotlight on himself. There was no disguising the 22-year-old’s frustration upon understanding that he was going to make way for another player. He threw his arms up and while he accepted the coach's hand while heading to the sideline there was no doubt that Tuchel was not impressed.

This represents the hurdle that Bellingham must overcome. He praised Rashford for delivering the cross for the captain to head in his second goal, but his other actions was counterproductive. It's not like protesting was going to alter the decision. The coach has talked so much about respecting team hierarchies and the value of showing proper conduct.

Under Scrutiny

He, not included in the team last month, has been under scrutiny upon his return to the fold in the current camp. Practically he was being assessed and he has not done himself any favours by reacting to being taken off as the side wrapped up a perfect qualifying campaign by seeing off a spirited effort from their opponents.

The System and the Setup

It means opinions are divided on if the team operate most effectively with Bellingham in the team. The evidence here was open to interpretation. Tuchel tried new things from Tuchel in the beginning. He has provided the squad organization and direction over the past few matches, using a holding player, a central midfielder, an attacking midfielder and dedicated wide players, but it felt different in this match. The young defender was handed his international debut, Wharton made his first start for England and the role of the defender as a part-time midfielder meant there was passing resemblance to Manchester City’s 2023 treble winners.

Mixed Performance

Bellingham had ups and downs. He set up a shot for Eze during the second half but frequently appeared trying too hard. Several rushed, misplaced passes. There was a needless bit of aggro against an opponent in the early stages. England's play was messy during most of the second period. One Albania chance resulted from Bellingham squandered possession. His caution occurred when an opponent took the ball to Broja and brought down the former Chelsea striker.

Depth Makes the Difference

In the end the squad's strength made the difference. Tuchel introduced the Manchester City player, who looked more comfortable to the position that Bellingham had played earlier in the match, and the Arsenal winger. Eventually Saka delivered a corner kick for the captain to open the scoring. It was a reminder that dead-ball situations will be crucial next summer.

Bridge Still Stands

Nevertheless, the focus was on Bellingham. The brilliance of the winger's delivery for Kane's goal was partly forgotten amid the drama of the Rogers substitution. At the end, the focus was on Bellingham. The coach approached behind him and guided Bellingham to acknowledge the travelling England fans. Their connection is not broken. The coach isn't ready to abandon the player just yet. But if he is willing to grant him centre stage is not guaranteed.