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Should Bellingham hopes to fight his way back into the English top starting eleven, it would be smart to cut out the unnecessary reactions. His response after noticing that his number was about to come up after a match of uneven play in the match against Albania was not good enough.

"I prefer not to make more out of it but I hold to my words 'conduct is crucial' and respect for the squad members who come in," stated Tuchel. "Decisions are made and you must accept them being a professional."

The midfielder must understand. There was no call for an outburst. The captain had recently scored to make the Three Lions 2-0 up in a dead rubber match, with only six minutes remaining and the player, after a below-par performance, was just shown a yellow for bringing down an opponent. This was hardly a debatable decision. Actually it would have been unwise for Tuchel to not substitute him because there was a chance he would make himself ineligible of the first match of the tournament by picking up a second caution.

Drawing Attention Upon Himself

Yet Bellingham drew all eyes toward himself. It was impossible to miss the young midfielder's annoyance upon understanding that his replacement was ready for another player. He threw his arms up and although he exchanged a handshake after making his way to the bench there was no doubt that the head coach was displeased.

This is the challenge facing Bellingham. He congratulated his teammate for delivering the cross for Harry Kane to score his second of the night, but his other actions was self-defeating. It's not like arguing was going to change Tuchel’s mind. The coach has stressed repeatedly respecting team hierarchies and the importance of behaving correctly.

In the Spotlight

He, not included in last month’s squad, is being watched carefully upon his return to the fold in the current camp. Practically he has been on trial and he hasn't helped his case with his response to his substitution as the side completed a ideal group stage by seeing off a feisty challenge from the Albanian team.

The System and the Setup

This implies opinions are divided on if the team perform optimally when Bellingham plays. The performance was inconclusive. Tuchel tried new things from Tuchel early on. Under him, England have gained the team organization and direction lately, employing a No 6, a No 8, an attacking midfielder and dedicated wide players, but it felt different in this match. Jarell Quansah was handed his international debut, the midfielder started for the first time at this level and the use of the defender as a makeshift midfielder meant there was passing resemblance to the Manchester club's historic treble-winning side.

A Game of Two Halves

His performance was inconsistent. He created an opportunity for Eberechi Eze in the latter period but at times seemed overly eager to shine. He made many hurried and errant passes. An unnecessary confrontation against an opponent early on. The team looked disjointed after halftime. An opportunity for Albania came after Bellingham gave the ball away. The yellow card occurred when he was dispossessed from Broja and committed a foul on the former Chelsea striker.

Depth Makes the Difference

Finally the squad's strength was decisive. The coach brought on Phil Foden, who appeared better suited to the role that Bellingham had played earlier in the match, and the Arsenal winger. In time Saka delivered a corner kick for the captain to score the first goal. It was a reminder that set pieces will play a key role at the World Cup.

Relationship Not Broken

However, the focus was on Bellingham. The brilliance of Rashford’s assist for Kane’s header was partly forgotten in the ridiculousness of the Rogers substitution. When the match concluded, the focus was on Bellingham. The coach approached to his side and directed the Real Madrid midfielder in the direction of the travelling England fans. Their relationship is not broken. Tuchel is not willing to give up on Bellingham yet. But if he is willing to give him centre stage remains in doubt.