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If Jude Bellingham wants to earn his place once again into England’s best squad, the smart move to eliminate the dramatics. His response upon realizing that the substitute board was being shown after an evening of mixed performance in the match against Albania was not good enough.

"I don’t want to blow it out of proportion but I hold to my words 'behaviour is key' and respect for the teammates who come in," Tuchel said. "Decisions are made and you have to accept it when you're on the field."

The midfielder must understand. It was unnecessary for a tantrum. Harry Kane had only moments earlier made it the national team leading by two in a meaningless match, there were six minutes left and Bellingham, who had not played particularly well, received a caution for bringing down the Albanian striker. This was hardly a questionable change. Indeed it might have been reckless for Tuchel to leave Bellingham on because there was a chance Bellingham would be suspended of the first match of the tournament by receiving a second yellow card.

Drawing Attention Upon Himself

But Bellingham turned the spotlight on himself. There was no disguising the 22-year-old’s disappointment when he clocked that he was going to make way for Morgan Rogers. He flung his arms in the air and while he exchanged a handshake while heading to the bench it was clear that Tuchel did not appreciate it.

This represents the hurdle facing Bellingham. He praised Marcus Rashford for delivering the cross for Kane to score the team's second, but the rest was counterproductive. There was no chance complaining was going to change Tuchel’s mind. The German has talked so much about honoring the team structure and the value of acting professionally.

In the Spotlight

Bellingham, left out of last month’s squad, has faced close inspection since coming back to the fold this month. Practically he has been on trial and he has not done himself any favours by reacting to his substitution as England rounded off a ideal group stage by overcoming a spirited effort from the Albanian team.

The System and the Setup

It means the jury is out on how the squad function at their best with Bellingham in the team. The performance was inconclusive. Some new ideas were tested from the manager at the start. He has provided the squad structure and clarity over the past few matches, using a holding player, a central midfielder, a playmaker and out-and-out wingers, but it felt different in this match. The young defender was handed his international debut, Wharton made his first start at this level and the role of John Stones as an auxiliary midfielder gave a similar look to the Manchester club's 2023 treble winners.

Inconsistent Display

Bellingham had ups and downs. He created an opportunity for Eberechi Eze in the latter period 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 a rival player early on. England were ragged during most of the second period. An opportunity for Albania followed Bellingham gave the ball away. His caution was shown after he lost the ball by Broja and committed a foul on the former Chelsea striker.

Squad Strength Shows

Finally the bench quality proved crucial. Tuchel introduced Foden, who looked more naturally fitted to the role that Bellingham had played in the opening period, and the Arsenal winger. Later Saka whipped in a set-piece for Kane to score the first goal. It highlighted that set pieces will be crucial in the upcoming tournament.

Relationship Not Broken

Still, though, the focus was on Bellingham. The quality of the winger's delivery for Kane’s header was somewhat overlooked due to the fuss of the player change. When the match concluded, everyone was watching Bellingham. Tuchel came over from behind and guided Bellingham in the direction of the travelling England fans. The bond between them is not broken. The coach isn't ready to give up on the player just yet. But if he is willing to offer him the central position remains in doubt.