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Should Bellingham aims to earn his place into England’s best starting eleven, the smart move to cut out the dramatics. The way he reacted when he saw that he was about to come up after a match of mixed performance in Tirana was unacceptable.

"I don’t want to overstate it but I stick to my words 'behaviour is key' and respect for the teammates who enter the game," stated Tuchel. "Choices are taken and you have to accept it when you're on the field."

The midfielder must understand. There was no call for an outburst. Harry Kane had only moments earlier made it the Three Lions leading by two in an inconsequential match, there were six minutes left and the player, after a below-par performance, had just been booked for a foul on the Albanian striker. This could scarcely be called a controversial substitution. Indeed it might have been reckless for the manager to keep Bellingham on the pitch because there was a risk he would rule himself out of the first match of the tournament by picking up a another booking.

Drawing Attention on Himself

However, the player made himself the center of attention. No one could overlook the 22-year-old’s disappointment when he clocked that he would be substituted for Morgan Rogers. He threw his arms up and although he shook Tuchel’s hand after making his way to the sideline it was clear that the manager was displeased.

Here lies the test facing Bellingham. He praised his teammate for sending in the ball for Harry Kane to score his second of the night, but the rest was counterproductive. It's not like protesting was going to reverse the substitution. The German has repeatedly emphasized following squad protocols and the necessity of behaving correctly.

Facing Examination

The midfielder, not included in the previous squad, has faced close inspection after returning to the team this month. Practically he has been on trial and he hasn't helped his case through his behavior to his substitution as the side rounded off a ideal group stage by seeing off a spirited effort from their opponents.

Tactics and Formation

This implies the jury is out on whether England function at their best when Bellingham plays. The evidence here was inconclusive. Tuchel tried new things from Tuchel in the beginning. He has provided the team structure and clarity lately, using a holding player, a central midfielder, a playmaker and out-and-out wingers, but it felt different in this match. Quansah was handed his international debut, Wharton started for the first time internationally and the use of John Stones as an auxiliary midfielder gave a passing resemblance to City's team that won three trophies.

Mixed Performance

His performance was inconsistent. He made a chance for Eze during the second half but often looked trying too hard. Several poorly executed passes. A pointless clash with an Albania midfielder in the early stages. England's play was messy during most of the second period. An opportunity for Albania followed Bellingham gave the ball away. His booking occurred when he lost the ball from Broja and brought down the attacker.

Depth Makes the Difference

Ultimately England’s depth proved crucial. The coach brought on Foden, who looked better suited to the position in which Bellingham operated in the opening period, and Bukayo Saka. Eventually Saka provided a corner kick for the captain to score the first goal. It highlighted that corners and free-kicks will be crucial at the World Cup.

Connection Remains

However, the focus was on Bellingham. The quality of the winger's delivery for Kane’s header was somewhat overlooked due to the fuss of the Rogers substitution. At the end, the focus was on him. Tuchel came over behind him and directed Bellingham to acknowledge the away supporters. The bond between them is not broken. Tuchel is not willing to abandon Bellingham yet. But if he is willing to offer him a starring role is still uncertain.