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If Jude Bellingham wants to force his way once again into the English best team, he would be wise to cut out the nonsense. His reaction upon realizing that the substitute board was being shown after an evening of inconsistency in the match against Albania fell short of expectations.

"I prefer not to make more out of it but I stand by my words 'conduct is crucial' and consideration for the players who enter the game," stated Tuchel. "Choices are taken and you must accept them being a professional."

There is a lesson for Bellingham. There was no need for a tantrum. Harry Kane had just put the national team 2-0 up in a dead rubber qualifier, there were six minutes left and Bellingham, who had not played particularly well, received a caution for a foul on the Albanian striker. This could scarcely be called a debatable decision. Indeed it would have been unwise for Tuchel to leave Bellingham on considering it was possible the midfielder would rule himself out of the initial fixture of the tournament by picking up a another booking.

Turning the Spotlight Upon Himself

However, the player turned the spotlight on himself. It was impossible to miss the young midfielder's disappointment as he realized that his replacement was ready for a teammate. He flung his arms in the air and even though he shook Tuchel’s hand on his way to the bench it was clear that the head coach did not appreciate it.

This is the challenge that Bellingham must overcome. He applauded Rashford for delivering the cross for the captain to score his second of the night, but everything else was harmful to his cause. It is not as if complaining was going to reverse the substitution. The German has repeatedly emphasized respecting team hierarchies and the necessity of showing proper conduct.

In the Spotlight

The midfielder, not included in last month’s squad, has been under scrutiny after returning to the team this month. Essentially he has been on trial and he hasn't helped his case with his response to coming off the pitch as England completed a ideal group stage by defeating a feisty challenge from their opponents.

Tactics and Formation

This implies it's unclear on how England perform optimally when Bellingham plays. The performance was inconclusive. Tuchel tried new things by the coach early on. He has given the squad organization and direction lately, building with a defensive midfielder, a central midfielder, a playmaker and specialist wingers, but there was a different feel versus Albania. Quansah was given his first cap, Wharton started for the first time internationally and the positioning of the defender as an auxiliary midfielder created a passing resemblance to the Manchester club's 2023 treble winners.

Inconsistent Display

His performance was inconsistent. He created an opportunity for Eze after the break but at times seemed too desperate to impress. Several poorly executed passes. A pointless clash against an opponent early on. England's play was messy during most of the second period. One Albania chance came after Bellingham squandered possession. His booking occurred when an opponent took the ball to Broja and committed a foul on the former Chelsea striker.

Depth Makes the Difference

Ultimately the squad's strength proved crucial. Tuchel introduced the Manchester City player, who appeared better suited to the role in which Bellingham operated earlier in the match, and the Arsenal winger. In time Saka delivered a corner for Kane to break the deadlock. This served as a reminder that corners and free-kicks will be crucial in the upcoming tournament.

Relationship Not Broken

Still, though, all talk was about Bellingham. The excellence of Rashford’s assist for Kane's goal was partly forgotten in the ridiculousness of the Rogers substitution. After the final whistle, the focus was on him. Tuchel walked up from behind and pushed the player towards the travelling England fans. Their relationship is not broken. Tuchel is not willing to abandon the player just yet. Yet whether he is willing to grant him a starring role is not guaranteed.