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If Jude Bellingham hopes to fight his way once again into the English best starting eleven, the smart move to do away with the unnecessary reactions. The way he reacted upon realizing that the substitute board was about to come up after an evening of inconsistency in the match against Albania was unacceptable.

"I don’t want to blow it out of proportion but I hold to my words 'behaviour is key' and consideration for the teammates who enter the game," Tuchel said. "Decisions are made and you need to comply being a professional."

The midfielder must understand. It was unnecessary for a strop. Harry Kane had only moments earlier made it the national team two goals ahead in a dead rubber fixture, there were six minutes left and Bellingham, following an inconsistent display, was just shown a yellow for fouling an opponent. It was not a questionable change. Actually it would have been unwise for Tuchel to leave Bellingham on because there was a risk the midfielder would make himself ineligible of the opening game of the tournament by getting a second caution.

Turning the Spotlight on Himself

However, the player drew all eyes toward himself. It was impossible to miss the young midfielder's annoyance upon understanding that he was going to make way for another player. He threw his arms up and although he accepted the coach's hand after making his way to the touchline there was no doubt that Tuchel was displeased.

Here lies the test for Bellingham. He congratulated Rashford for sending in the ball for Harry Kane to head in his second of the night, but the rest was counterproductive. It's not like protesting was going to change Tuchel’s mind. The coach has talked so much about following squad protocols and the value of acting professionally.

Facing Examination

Bellingham, omitted from the team last month, has been under scrutiny since coming back to the fold in the current camp. In effect his place has been in question and he hasn't helped his case through his behavior to being taken off as England wrapped up a flawless qualification run by defeating a feisty challenge from Albania.

Tactics and Formation

This implies opinions are divided on if the squad function at their best including Bellingham. The evidence here was not definitive. Tuchel tried new things from the manager at the start. Under him, England have gained the team a clear system in recent months, building with a No 6, a central midfielder, a No 10 and dedicated wide players, but there was a different feel versus Albania. Jarell Quansah was handed his international debut, Adam Wharton started for the first time internationally and the positioning of John Stones as an auxiliary midfielder meant there was passing resemblance to City's 2023 treble winners.

Mixed Performance

Bellingham was a mixed bag. He created an opportunity for Eberechi Eze after the break but frequently appeared overly eager to shine. Several rushed, misplaced passes. A pointless clash against an opponent early on. England were ragged during most of the second period. An opportunity for Albania came after Bellingham gave the ball away. The yellow card was shown after he lost the ball by Broja and brought down the former Chelsea striker.

Substitutes Decide

Ultimately the squad's strength proved crucial. Tuchel threw on Phil Foden, who looked better suited to the position that Bellingham had played earlier in the match, and Saka. Later Saka delivered a set-piece for Harry Kane to score the first goal. It highlighted that set pieces will be crucial at the World Cup.

Relationship Not Broken

Still, though, all talk was about Bellingham. The quality of the winger's delivery for Kane’s header was partly forgotten in the ridiculousness of the Rogers substitution. When the match concluded, everyone was watching Bellingham. Tuchel came over to his side and directed Bellingham towards the travelling England fans. Their relationship is not broken. Tuchel hasn't decided to give up on him at this stage. However, whether Tuchel is inclined to offer him the central position remains in doubt.