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Should Bellingham wants to fight his way back into the English top starting eleven, he would be wise to cut out the unnecessary reactions. The way he reacted upon realizing that the substitute board was going up after a match of inconsistency in the match against Albania fell short of expectations.

"I’d rather not blow it out of proportion but I stand by my words 'conduct is crucial' and respect for the players who enter the game," stated Tuchel. "Substitutions happen and you must accept them being a professional."

Bellingham has to learn. There was no need for an outburst. The captain had only moments earlier made it the national team two goals ahead in a dead rubber 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 was hardly a controversial substitution. Actually it might have been reckless for Tuchel to not substitute him considering there was a chance the midfielder would make himself ineligible of the initial fixture of the tournament by getting a second caution.

Drawing Attention Upon Himself

But Bellingham made himself the center of attention. There was no disguising the 22-year-old’s disappointment as he realized that he would be substituted for a teammate. He flung his arms in the air and while he exchanged a handshake on his way to the bench there was no doubt that the head coach was not impressed.

This represents the hurdle that Bellingham must overcome. He praised Marcus Rashford for delivering the cross for the captain to nod home the team's second, but the rest was counterproductive. There was no chance complaining was going to alter the decision. The German has repeatedly emphasized respecting team hierarchies and the importance of showing proper conduct.

Facing Examination

The midfielder, left out of the previous squad, has faced close inspection upon his return to the team this month. In effect his place has been in question and his actions haven't benefited him with his response to coming off the pitch as the national team rounded off a ideal group stage by overcoming a feisty challenge from the Albanian team.

Tactics and Formation

As a result it's unclear on whether the squad operate most effectively with Bellingham in the team. The performance was open to interpretation. There was experimentation from Tuchel early on. Under him, England have gained the team organization and direction lately, using a holding player, a No 8, a playmaker and dedicated wide players, but there was a different feel versus Albania. Jarell Quansah was made his England debut, the midfielder started for the first time for England and the use of the defender as a part-time midfielder gave a passing resemblance to the Manchester club's team that won three trophies.

Inconsistent Display

His performance was inconsistent. He made a chance for Eze after the break but at times seemed overly eager to shine. There were a lot of hurried and errant passes. There was a needless bit of aggro with an Albania midfielder in the early stages. England were ragged after halftime. An opportunity for Albania resulted from he lost the ball cheaply. His caution occurred when he was dispossessed by Broja and committed a foul on the former Chelsea striker.

Substitutes Decide

Finally the squad's strength was decisive. Tuchel threw on Foden, who appeared more comfortable to the spot occupied by Bellingham earlier in the match, and Bukayo Saka. Later Saka provided a corner kick for Harry Kane to break the deadlock. It was a reminder that corners and free-kicks are going to be vital in the upcoming tournament.

Bridge Still Stands

Nevertheless, Bellingham was the story. The quality of Rashford’s assist for the second goal was somewhat overlooked amid the drama of the player change. When the match concluded, everyone was watching him. The coach approached to his side and pushed Bellingham to acknowledge the travelling England fans. The bond between them is not broken. Tuchel is not willing to discard him at this stage. Yet whether the coach is prepared to offer him a starring role remains in doubt.