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Should Bellingham aims to force his way into England’s strongest squad, the smart move to eliminate the unnecessary reactions. His response upon realizing that the substitute board was going up after a match of mixed performance in the match against Albania was not good enough.

"I’d rather not blow it out of proportion but I hold to my words 'conduct is crucial' and consideration for the players who enter the game," Tuchel said. "Decisions are made and you have to accept it as a player."

Bellingham has to learn. There was no call for an outburst. Harry Kane had recently scored to make the Three Lions 2-0 up in a dead rubber qualifier, there were six minutes left and Bellingham, after a below-par performance, had just been booked for fouling Armando Broja. It was not a questionable change. Actually it might have been reckless for Tuchel to not substitute him considering it was possible Bellingham would rule himself out of the opening game of the tournament by getting a another booking.

Turning the Spotlight on Himself

Yet Bellingham turned the spotlight on himself. It was impossible to miss the 22-year-old’s annoyance upon understanding that his replacement was ready for Morgan Rogers. He flung his arms in the air and although he accepted the coach's hand while heading to the bench there was no doubt that Tuchel was not impressed.

Here lies the test for Bellingham. He praised his teammate for delivering the cross for Kane to score his second of the night, but the rest was counterproductive. It is not as if protesting was going to reverse the substitution. The German has stressed repeatedly respecting team hierarchies and the value of showing proper conduct.

Under Scrutiny

The midfielder, omitted from the previous squad, has faced close inspection since coming back to the squad recently. Essentially he has been on trial and he hasn't helped his case through his behavior to his substitution as England completed a perfect qualifying campaign by overcoming a feisty challenge from Albania.

The Coach's Plan

As a result the jury is out on how England function at their best with Bellingham in the team. The performance was inconclusive. There was experimentation from the manager at the start. He has given the squad structure and clarity over the past few matches, using a No 6, a central midfielder, a playmaker and dedicated wide players, but there was a different feel versus Albania. Quansah was given his first cap, the midfielder made his first start for England and the positioning of Stones as a part-time midfielder created a similar look to the Manchester club's historic treble-winning side.

Mixed Performance

Bellingham was a mixed bag. He created an opportunity for Eberechi Eze during the second half but at times seemed trying too hard. Several poorly executed passes. A pointless clash with a rival player at the beginning. England were ragged after halftime. An opportunity for Albania came after Bellingham squandered possession. His caution was shown after he lost the ball from Broja and brought down the attacker.

Substitutes Decide

Ultimately the squad's strength proved crucial. Tuchel threw on Phil Foden, who seemed more naturally fitted to the position that Bellingham had played earlier in the match, and Bukayo Saka. In time Saka delivered a corner for Harry Kane to open the scoring. It was a reminder that set pieces are going to be vital at the World Cup.

Connection Remains

Nevertheless, all talk was about Bellingham. The excellence of Rashford’s assist for the second goal was partly forgotten amid the drama of the player change. After the final whistle, everyone was watching the midfielder. Tuchel walked up to his side and guided Bellingham in the direction of the travelling England fans. The bond between them is not broken. Tuchel hasn't decided to abandon the player just yet. But if he is willing to give him centre stage is not guaranteed.