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Should Bellingham aims to fight his way into the English best squad, he would be wise to do away with the unnecessary reactions. His response upon realizing that he was about to come up following a night of uneven play in the match against Albania was not good enough.

"I’d rather not blow it out of proportion but I stand by my words 'conduct is crucial' and respect towards the players who substitute on," Tuchel said. "Substitutions happen and you need to comply being a professional."

Bellingham has to learn. It was unnecessary for an outburst. Harry Kane had just put the national team two goals ahead in a dead rubber fixture, with only six minutes remaining and the player, following an inconsistent display, had just been booked for a foul on Armando Broja. It was not a questionable change. Actually it might have been reckless for Tuchel to not substitute him given that there was a chance he would rule himself out of the first match of the competition by getting a another booking.

Drawing Attention to Himself

Yet Bellingham made himself the center of attention. It was impossible to miss the young midfielder's annoyance as he realized that his replacement was ready for a teammate. He flung his arms in the air and while he shook Tuchel’s hand on his way to the bench it was obvious that Tuchel did not appreciate it.

Here lies the test that Bellingham must overcome. He congratulated Rashford for sending in the ball for Kane to head in the team's second, but his other actions was harmful to his cause. It is not as if protesting was going to alter the decision. The German has stressed repeatedly respecting team hierarchies and the importance of showing proper conduct.

Under Scrutiny

He, omitted from last month’s squad, has faced close inspection since coming back to the squad in the current camp. In effect he was being assessed and his actions haven't benefited him by reacting to coming off the pitch as the side rounded off a perfect qualifying campaign by overcoming a spirited effort from their opponents.

Tactics and Formation

It means opinions are divided on whether the squad function at their best with Bellingham in the team. The performance was inconclusive. Tuchel tried new things from Tuchel at the start. He has given the team structure and clarity over the past few matches, employing a holding player, a No 8, a No 10 and out-and-out wingers, but it felt different against Albania. Quansah was made his England debut, Adam Wharton started for the first time for England and the role of John Stones as a part-time midfielder created a similar look to Manchester City’s team that won three trophies.

Inconsistent Display

Bellingham was a mixed bag. He created an opportunity for Eze during the second half but often looked too desperate to impress. He made many rushed, misplaced passes. There was a needless bit of aggro against an opponent early on. England were ragged after halftime. A scoring chance for the opponents followed Bellingham squandered possession. The yellow card was shown after he was dispossessed from Broja and committed a foul on the former Chelsea striker.

Depth Makes the Difference

Finally England’s depth was decisive. Tuchel introduced Phil Foden, who appeared more naturally fitted to the spot that Bellingham had played earlier in the match, and the Arsenal winger. Later Saka whipped in a set-piece for Kane to break the deadlock. It highlighted that set pieces will be crucial at the World Cup.

Bridge Still Stands

Still, though, Bellingham was the story. The quality of the winger's delivery for the second goal was partly forgotten amid the drama of the Rogers substitution. At the end, everyone was watching the midfielder. Tuchel came over behind him and directed the player towards the away supporters. Their connection is not broken. Tuchel is not willing to abandon the player just yet. But if Tuchel is inclined to give him a starring role remains in doubt.