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If Jude Bellingham hopes to earn his place once again into the English top team, it would be smart to eliminate the unnecessary reactions. His response after noticing that his number was being shown after a match of mixed performance in the match against Albania was unacceptable.

"I’d rather not blow it out of proportion but I stand by my words 'behaviour is key' and consideration for the players who enter the game," stated Tuchel. "Substitutions happen and you have to accept it when you're on the field."

There is a lesson for Bellingham. There was no need for a strop. Harry Kane had just put England two goals ahead in a dead rubber fixture, there were six minutes left and he, following an inconsistent display, had just been booked for bringing down Armando Broja. It was not a debatable decision. In fact it would have been unwise for the head coach to not substitute him because there was a risk Bellingham would be suspended of the opening game of the competition by getting a second caution.

Turning the Spotlight to Himself

Yet Bellingham drew all eyes toward himself. It was impossible to miss the player's disappointment when he clocked that he was going to make way for another player. His arms went up in exasperation and even though he exchanged a handshake on his way to the sideline it was clear that the manager was not impressed.

This represents the hurdle facing Bellingham. He praised Marcus Rashford for sending in the ball for the captain to nod home his second of the night, but the rest was harmful to his cause. There was no chance arguing was going to change Tuchel’s mind. Tuchel has repeatedly emphasized honoring the team structure and the importance of behaving correctly.

In the Spotlight

Bellingham, left out of last month’s squad, has faced close inspection after returning to the team this month. In effect his place has been in question and he hasn't helped his case through his behavior to being taken off as the national team completed a ideal group stage by overcoming a feisty challenge from their opponents.

Tactics and Formation

It means the jury is out on if the squad perform optimally including Bellingham. The performance was inconclusive. Some new ideas were tested from the manager in the beginning. Under him, England have gained the squad a clear system over the past few matches, using a holding player, a No 8, an attacking midfielder and out-and-out wingers, but there was a different feel in this match. Quansah was handed his international debut, Wharton started for the first time for England and the positioning of Stones as a makeshift midfielder created a similar look to Manchester City’s team that won three trophies.

A Game of Two Halves

His performance was inconsistent. He made a chance for his teammate after the break but at times seemed too desperate to impress. There were a lot of hurried and errant passes. An unnecessary confrontation against an opponent early on. England's play was messy for much of the second half. A scoring chance for the opponents followed he lost the ball cheaply. The yellow card came after he lost the ball from Broja and brought down Broja.

Squad Strength Shows

Ultimately the squad's strength was decisive. Tuchel threw on the Manchester City player, who seemed more comfortable to the spot that Bellingham had played during the first half, and the Arsenal winger. Eventually Saka whipped in a set-piece for Kane to open the scoring. It was a reminder that corners and free-kicks will play a key role next summer.

Relationship Not Broken

Nevertheless, Bellingham was the story. The quality of Rashford's cross for the second goal was partly forgotten amid the drama of the substitution incident. At the end, the focus was on the midfielder. Tuchel came over to his side and guided the player to acknowledge the English fans. The bond between them is not broken. Tuchel is not willing to abandon Bellingham yet. However, whether the coach is prepared to offer him a starring role is not guaranteed.