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If Jude Bellingham wants to force his way back into the English strongest starting eleven, it would be smart to do away with the nonsense. His response after noticing that the substitute board was going up after an evening of inconsistency in Tirana was not good enough.

"I prefer not to overstate it but I stand by my words 'conduct is crucial' and respect towards the squad members who come in," commented the coach. "Substitutions happen and you must accept them as a player."

Bellingham has to learn. It was unnecessary for an outburst. The captain had only moments earlier made it England two goals ahead in an inconsequential qualifier, with only six minutes remaining and the player, after a below-par performance, was just shown a yellow for a foul on Armando Broja. This was hardly a controversial substitution. Actually it would have been unwise for Tuchel to not substitute him considering there was a risk the midfielder would make himself ineligible of the initial fixture of the competition by receiving a another booking.

Turning the Spotlight on Himself

But Bellingham drew all eyes toward himself. There was no disguising the young midfielder's disappointment when he clocked that he was going to make way for another player. His arms went up in exasperation and even though he accepted the coach's hand while heading to the bench it was obvious that the manager was displeased.

This is the challenge that Bellingham must overcome. He praised his teammate for providing the assist for Harry Kane to nod home his second goal, but his other actions was self-defeating. It is not as if complaining was going to alter the decision. Tuchel has talked so much about following squad protocols and the importance of behaving correctly.

Facing Examination

He, not included in the previous squad, is being watched carefully upon his return to the fold recently. In effect 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 flawless qualification run by overcoming a tough opposition from their opponents.

Tactics and Formation

This implies it's unclear on whether England function at their best including Bellingham. The evidence here was inconclusive. Some new ideas were tested by the coach in the beginning. He has provided the team structure and clarity lately, using a holding player, a box-to-box player, a playmaker and specialist wingers, but there was a different feel against Albania. Quansah was handed his international debut, the midfielder started for the first time internationally and the use of the defender as an auxiliary midfielder gave a passing resemblance to the Manchester club's historic treble-winning side.

Inconsistent Display

Bellingham had ups and downs. He created an opportunity for Eberechi Eze during the second half but frequently appeared trying too hard. He made many hurried and errant passes. There was a needless bit of aggro with a rival player at the beginning. England's play was messy for much of the second half. An opportunity for Albania resulted from he lost the ball cheaply. His caution occurred when he lost the ball to Broja and fouled the former Chelsea striker.

Squad Strength Shows

Finally the squad's strength proved crucial. Tuchel introduced the Manchester City player, who appeared more naturally fitted to the spot occupied by Bellingham earlier in the match, and Saka. In time Saka delivered a corner for the captain to score the first goal. It highlighted that dead-ball situations are going to be vital in the upcoming tournament.

Bridge Still Stands

Nevertheless, all talk was about Bellingham. The brilliance of Rashford's cross for Kane's goal was somewhat overlooked due to the fuss of the Rogers substitution. When the match concluded, all eyes were on Bellingham. Tuchel came over behind him and directed the Real Madrid midfielder in the direction of the travelling England fans. Their connection is not damaged. The coach isn't ready to discard the player just yet. However, whether Tuchel is inclined to offer him a starring role remains in doubt.