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For Bellingham to hopes to force his way back into England’s best squad, he would be wise to cut out the unnecessary reactions. The way he reacted when he saw that his number was going up after a match of uneven play in the match against Albania was unacceptable.

"I prefer not to overstate it but I stick to my words 'conduct is crucial' and respect for the players who substitute on," commented the coach. "Decisions are made and you need to comply as a player."

The midfielder must understand. There was no need for a tantrum. Kane had recently scored to make the Three Lions leading by two in an inconsequential match, there were six minutes left and Bellingham, who had not played particularly well, had just been booked for fouling the Albanian striker. It was not a debatable decision. Actually it would have been unwise for Tuchel to leave Bellingham on considering there was a risk he would be suspended of the first match of the World Cup by receiving a another booking.

Shifting Focus Upon Himself

But Bellingham made himself the center of attention. No one could overlook the player's disappointment upon understanding that he was going to make way for Morgan Rogers. His arms went up in exasperation and while he accepted the coach's hand on his way to the touchline it was clear that the head coach was displeased.

Here lies the test for Bellingham. He congratulated Rashford for sending in the ball for Harry Kane to head in his second goal, but the rest was counterproductive. It's not like protesting was going to alter the decision. The German has talked so much about following squad protocols and the necessity of behaving correctly.

Facing Examination

Bellingham, left out of the previous squad, is being watched carefully since coming back to the fold in the current camp. Essentially he was being assessed and he has not done himself any favours by reacting to being taken off as the national team wrapped up a ideal group stage by defeating a spirited effort from Albania.

Tactics and Formation

It means opinions are divided on how England perform optimally including Bellingham. What we saw was open to interpretation. Some new ideas were tested from Tuchel in the beginning. He has provided the team structure and clarity over the past few matches, building with a No 6, a box-to-box player, a No 10 and out-and-out wingers, but it felt different versus Albania. Jarell Quansah was handed his international debut, Adam Wharton was in the starting lineup internationally and the role of Stones as an auxiliary midfielder gave a faint echo to City's team that won three trophies.

Mixed Performance

Bellingham was a mixed bag. He made a chance for Eze during the second half but at times seemed trying too hard. He made many hurried and errant passes. A pointless clash against an opponent at the beginning. England were ragged after halftime. A scoring chance for the opponents came after he lost the ball cheaply. His caution was shown after he was dispossessed by Broja and brought down Broja.

Substitutes Decide

Finally the squad's strength made the difference. The coach brought on the Manchester City player, who appeared better suited to the spot that Bellingham had played in the opening period, and Saka. Later Saka whipped in a corner kick for Harry Kane to open the scoring. This served as a reminder that dead-ball situations will play a key role at the World Cup.

Relationship Not Broken

Still, though, Bellingham was the story. The brilliance of Rashford’s assist for Kane’s header was partly forgotten due to the fuss of the player change. After the final whistle, everyone was watching Bellingham. Tuchel came over behind him and guided the player in the direction of the away supporters. The bond between them remains intact. Tuchel hasn't decided to abandon the player just yet. However, whether the coach is prepared to offer him a starring role remains in doubt.