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Should Bellingham hopes to earn his place into the English top team, the smart move to do away with the dramatics. His reaction when he saw that his number was about to come up after a match of inconsistency in the match against Albania was unacceptable.

"I prefer not to blow it out of proportion but I stick to my words 'behaviour is key' and respect for the squad members who come in," Tuchel said. "Substitutions happen and you need to comply being a professional."

Bellingham has to learn. There was no call for an outburst. The captain had only moments earlier made it England two goals ahead in a dead rubber match, the game had six minutes to go and he, who had not played particularly well, received a caution for a foul on an opponent. This could scarcely be called a controversial substitution. In fact it might have been reckless for the head coach to keep Bellingham on the pitch given that it was possible he would make himself ineligible of the opening game of the World Cup by picking up a second yellow card.

Turning the Spotlight on Himself

Yet Bellingham drew all eyes toward himself. It was impossible to miss the player's disappointment upon understanding that he would be substituted for a teammate. He threw his arms up and although he accepted the coach's hand on his way to the touchline there was no doubt that the head coach was displeased.

Here lies the test for Bellingham. He praised Marcus Rashford for delivering the cross for the captain to score his second goal, but everything else was harmful to his cause. It's not like protesting was going to change Tuchel’s mind. Tuchel has stressed repeatedly honoring the team structure and the value of behaving correctly.

Under Scrutiny

The midfielder, left out of last month’s squad, has been under scrutiny after returning to the fold recently. In effect his place has been in question and his actions haven't benefited him by reacting to his substitution as the national team completed a ideal group stage by seeing off a feisty challenge from the Albanian team.

Tactics and Formation

As a result opinions are divided on how the squad function at their best when Bellingham plays. The evidence here was inconclusive. Some new ideas were tested from the manager early on. He has given England a clear system in recent months, using a No 6, a central midfielder, an attacking midfielder and out-and-out wingers, but there was a different feel against Albania. The young defender was given his first cap, Wharton started for the first time internationally and the use of the defender as an auxiliary midfielder gave a similar look to Manchester City’s team that won three trophies.

Inconsistent Display

Bellingham had ups and downs. He set up a shot for Eberechi Eze in the latter period but at times seemed too desperate to impress. Several poorly executed passes. A pointless clash with an Albania midfielder at the beginning. England's play was messy during most of the second period. A scoring chance for the opponents resulted from Bellingham squandered possession. His caution occurred when an opponent took the ball to Broja and fouled Broja.

Squad Strength Shows

Ultimately the bench quality made the difference. Tuchel introduced Foden, who appeared more comfortable to the spot in which Bellingham operated during the first half, and Bukayo Saka. In time Saka delivered a set-piece for Kane to open the scoring. It highlighted that set pieces are going to be vital next summer.

Relationship Not Broken

Still, though, all talk was about Bellingham. The brilliance of Rashford’s assist for Kane's goal was a little lost due to the fuss of the substitution incident. After the final whistle, everyone was watching the midfielder. Tuchel walked up to his side and guided the player towards the English fans. Their relationship is not damaged. Tuchel hasn't decided to give up on Bellingham yet. Yet whether the coach is prepared to give him the central position remains in doubt.