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If Jude Bellingham aims to force his way into the English best team, the smart move to cut out the unnecessary reactions. His reaction upon realizing that he was being shown after a match of inconsistency in the match against Albania fell short of expectations.

"I’d rather not overstate it but I stick to my words 'behaviour is key' and respect for the squad members who come in," commented the coach. "Choices are taken and you have to accept it being a professional."

The midfielder must understand. There was no call for a tantrum. Kane had only moments earlier made it the Three Lions two goals ahead in a meaningless qualifier, with only six minutes remaining and the player, following an inconsistent display, had just been booked for fouling Armando Broja. This could scarcely be called a questionable change. In fact it might have been reckless for Tuchel to keep Bellingham on the pitch given that there was a risk Bellingham would be suspended of the first match of the competition by receiving a second yellow card.

Shifting Focus on Himself

But Bellingham drew all eyes toward himself. It was impossible to miss the 22-year-old’s frustration as he realized that he would be substituted for Morgan Rogers. His arms went up in exasperation and while he shook Tuchel’s hand on his way to the sideline it was clear that the head coach was not impressed.

This represents the hurdle for Bellingham. He praised Rashford for providing the assist for Harry Kane to score his second of the night, but his other actions was counterproductive. It is not as if complaining was going to alter the decision. The coach has repeatedly emphasized honoring the team structure and the necessity of behaving correctly.

Facing Examination

The midfielder, omitted from last month’s squad, is being watched carefully after returning to the team this month. Practically he was being assessed and his actions haven't benefited him by reacting to his substitution as the national team wrapped up a ideal group stage by overcoming a spirited effort from Albania.

The System and the Setup

As a result the jury is out on how the squad perform optimally with Bellingham in the team. What we saw was open to interpretation. There was experimentation from the manager in the beginning. Under him, England have gained England organization and direction in recent months, employing a holding player, a box-to-box player, an attacking midfielder and out-and-out wingers, but it felt different against Albania. Quansah was made his England debut, Wharton started for the first time internationally and the role of the defender as a part-time midfielder gave a passing resemblance to Manchester City’s team that won three trophies.

A Game of Two Halves

Bellingham had ups and downs. He created an opportunity for his teammate during the second half but frequently appeared trying too hard. He made many hurried and errant passes. A pointless clash against an opponent in the early stages. England's play was messy after halftime. An opportunity for Albania came after he lost the ball cheaply. The yellow card occurred when an opponent took the ball from Broja and brought down the attacker.

Squad Strength Shows

Ultimately England’s depth proved crucial. Tuchel threw on the Manchester City player, who seemed better suited to the position in which Bellingham operated during the first half, and the Arsenal winger. Eventually Saka delivered a corner for Harry Kane to open the scoring. This served as a reminder that set pieces will be crucial in the upcoming tournament.

Bridge Still Stands

However, the focus was on Bellingham. The brilliance of the winger's delivery for the second goal was somewhat overlooked due to the fuss of the substitution incident. After the final whistle, all eyes were on him. The coach approached to his side and directed Bellingham to acknowledge the English fans. Their connection is not broken. Tuchel hasn't decided to abandon Bellingham yet. However, whether Tuchel is inclined to give him a starring role is not guaranteed.