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If Jude Bellingham hopes to fight his way once again into the English strongest squad, the smart move to do away with the nonsense. His reaction when he saw that his number was being shown following a night of uneven play in the match against Albania was unacceptable.

"I prefer not to blow it out of proportion but I stick to my words 'conduct is crucial' and respect for the players who substitute on," Tuchel said. "Substitutions happen and you need to comply being a professional."

The midfielder must understand. There was no need for a strop. Harry Kane had just put the national team leading by two in a meaningless qualifier, there were six minutes left and Bellingham, following an inconsistent display, received a caution for bringing down an opponent. It was not a debatable decision. Actually it would have been unwise for Tuchel to not substitute him considering there was a chance Bellingham would be suspended of the first match of the competition by getting a second caution.

Drawing Attention on Himself

But Bellingham made himself the center of attention. No one could overlook the player's frustration upon understanding that his replacement was ready for Morgan Rogers. He threw his arms up and while he shook Tuchel’s hand on his way to the bench it was obvious that Tuchel did not appreciate it.

This is the challenge facing Bellingham. He congratulated Rashford for providing the assist for the captain to head in his second of the night, but everything else was self-defeating. There was no chance protesting was going to alter the decision. The German has talked so much about following squad protocols and the value of behaving correctly.

Facing Examination

He, not included in the team last month, has faced close inspection after returning to the team in the current camp. Practically he was being assessed and he hasn't helped his case by reacting to his substitution as England wrapped up a ideal group stage by overcoming a feisty challenge from Albania.

Tactics and Formation

This implies the jury is out on whether the team perform optimally when Bellingham plays. The performance was inconclusive. Tuchel tried new things from the manager early on. Under him, England have gained the squad structure and clarity in recent months, using a holding player, a box-to-box player, a No 10 and out-and-out wingers, but it felt different in this match. Jarell Quansah was made his England debut, Wharton made his first start at this level and the role of Stones as an auxiliary midfielder created a similar look to City's team that won three trophies.

A Game of Two Halves

His performance was inconsistent. He made a chance for Eberechi Eze after the break but often looked overly eager to shine. Several poorly executed passes. There was a needless bit of aggro with an Albania midfielder at the beginning. The team looked disjointed after halftime. An opportunity for Albania came after Bellingham gave the ball away. The yellow card occurred when he lost the ball from Broja and committed a foul on Broja.

Squad Strength Shows

In the end the bench quality made the difference. Tuchel threw on Foden, who seemed better suited to the spot in which Bellingham operated earlier in the match, and the Arsenal winger. In time Saka whipped in a corner kick for Kane to open the scoring. It highlighted that corners and free-kicks are going to be vital at the World Cup.

Connection Remains

Still, though, all talk was about Bellingham. The brilliance of the winger's delivery for Kane's goal was partly forgotten due to the fuss of the substitution incident. After the final whistle, everyone was watching the midfielder. Tuchel came over behind him and directed the Real Madrid midfielder towards the away supporters. The bond between them is not damaged. The coach isn't ready to discard him at this stage. Yet whether Tuchel is inclined to offer him the central position remains in doubt.