The England midfielder Needs to Drop the Petulance to Earn a Key Place With Manager Thomas Tuchel.

For Bellingham to wants to earn his place back into the English strongest starting eleven, he would be wise to do away with the nonsense. The way he reacted when he saw that his number was about to come up after an evening of inconsistency in the match against Albania was unacceptable.

"I prefer not to overstate it but I hold to my words 'attitude matters' and consideration for the players who come in," Tuchel said. "Choices are taken and you need to comply as a player."

There is a lesson for Bellingham. It was unnecessary for an outburst. Harry Kane had only moments earlier made it the national team leading by two in a dead rubber qualifier, there were six minutes left and the player, following an inconsistent display, had just been booked for a foul on Armando Broja. This could scarcely be called a questionable change. Actually it might have been reckless for the manager to keep Bellingham on the pitch given that it was possible Bellingham would be suspended of the opening game of the World Cup by receiving a second yellow card.

Turning the Spotlight Upon Himself

However, the player turned the spotlight on himself. No one could overlook the young midfielder's disappointment upon understanding 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 on his way to the touchline it was obvious that the manager did not appreciate it.

This is the challenge for Bellingham. He congratulated his teammate for sending in the ball for Harry Kane to nod home the team's second, but his other actions was harmful to his cause. It is not as if arguing was going to alter the decision. The coach has stressed repeatedly respecting team hierarchies and the necessity of acting professionally.

Under Scrutiny

He, left out of the previous squad, has faced close inspection since coming back to the fold recently. Essentially he was being assessed and he hasn't helped his case by reacting to being taken off as the side wrapped up a flawless qualification run by seeing off a feisty challenge from Albania.

The Coach's Plan

It means opinions are divided on if the squad operate most effectively when Bellingham plays. What we saw was not definitive. There was experimentation from Tuchel in the beginning. He has provided England organization and direction in recent months, using a No 6, a No 8, a No 10 and dedicated wide players, but there was a different feel in this match. The young defender was handed his international debut, the midfielder was in the starting lineup at this level and the role of John Stones as a makeshift midfielder meant there was passing resemblance to City's historic treble-winning side.

Inconsistent Display

Bellingham was a mixed bag. He set up a shot for his teammate during the second half but at times seemed overly eager to shine. Several hurried and errant passes. There was a needless bit of aggro against an opponent early on. England's play was messy during most of the second period. An opportunity for Albania followed Bellingham squandered possession. His caution occurred when an opponent took the ball from Broja and brought down Broja.

Depth Makes the Difference

Finally England’s depth was decisive. Tuchel threw on Phil Foden, who seemed more naturally fitted to the position occupied by Bellingham earlier in the match, and the Arsenal winger. In time Saka whipped in a set-piece for Kane to break the deadlock. This served as a reminder that corners and free-kicks will be crucial at the World Cup.

Relationship Not Broken

However, Bellingham was the story. The excellence of the winger's delivery for Kane's goal was a little lost in the ridiculousness of the player change. When the match concluded, all eyes were on Bellingham. The coach approached to his side and directed the Real Madrid midfielder towards the away supporters. The bond between them is not damaged. Tuchel is not willing to give up on the player just yet. However, whether the coach is prepared to offer him the central position is not guaranteed.