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If Jude Bellingham hopes to force his way into the English top team, it would be smart to eliminate the dramatics. His response upon realizing that the substitute board was being shown after an evening of mixed performance in the match against Albania was unacceptable.

"I prefer not to make more out of it but I stand by my words 'conduct is crucial' and respect towards the teammates who come in," Tuchel said. "Substitutions happen and you must accept them being a professional."

The midfielder must understand. It was unnecessary for a strop. Harry Kane had recently scored to make the national team leading by two in an inconsequential fixture, the game had six minutes to go and the player, who had not played particularly well, had just been booked for bringing down the Albanian striker. It was not a questionable change. In fact it would have been unwise for Tuchel to keep Bellingham on the pitch considering it was possible he would be suspended of the first match of the competition by picking up a second yellow card.

Shifting Focus to Himself

However, the player made himself the center of attention. No one could overlook the 22-year-old’s disappointment as he realized that he was going to make way for Morgan Rogers. He threw his arms up and even though he accepted the coach's hand after making his way to the touchline it was obvious that the manager did not appreciate it.

This is the challenge facing Bellingham. He congratulated Rashford for providing the assist for Harry Kane to score his second goal, but everything else was counterproductive. It's not like arguing was going to alter the decision. The German has talked so much about respecting team hierarchies and the necessity of showing proper conduct.

Facing Examination

Bellingham, omitted from the team last month, is being watched carefully after returning to the fold recently. Practically he was being assessed and he hasn't helped his case with his response to his substitution as England wrapped up a ideal group stage by defeating a spirited effort from the Albanian team.

The System and the Setup

It means opinions are divided on how the squad function at their best including Bellingham. The evidence here was inconclusive. Some new ideas were tested from the manager at the start. Under him, England have gained the squad structure and clarity lately, using a defensive midfielder, a No 8, a playmaker and dedicated wide players, but there was a different feel versus Albania. Quansah was handed his international debut, Adam Wharton was in the starting lineup at this level and the positioning of John Stones as a part-time midfielder meant there was similar look to City's team that won three trophies.

A Game of Two Halves

His performance was inconsistent. He made a chance for his teammate in the latter period but at times seemed too desperate to impress. Several poorly executed passes. An unnecessary confrontation with an Albania midfielder early on. The team looked disjointed after halftime. A scoring chance for the opponents came after Bellingham squandered possession. His caution came after he lost the ball to Broja and brought down the former Chelsea striker.

Substitutes Decide

Ultimately the bench quality made the difference. The coach brought on Foden, who appeared more comfortable to the position occupied by Bellingham during the first half, and Bukayo Saka. Later Saka provided a corner for Kane to break the deadlock. It highlighted that set pieces are going to be vital in the upcoming tournament.

Relationship Not Broken

Still, though, Bellingham was the story. The brilliance of Rashford's cross for the second goal was somewhat overlooked in the ridiculousness of the substitution incident. When the match concluded, everyone was watching Bellingham. Tuchel walked up from behind and directed the Real Madrid midfielder towards the away supporters. Their relationship is not damaged. Tuchel hasn't decided to discard the player just yet. However, whether Tuchel is inclined to grant him the central position is not guaranteed.