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If Jude Bellingham wants to force his way once again into the English best team, it would be smart to do away with the unnecessary reactions. The way he reacted upon realizing that his number was going up after a match of inconsistency in the match against Albania fell short of expectations.

"I’d rather not make more out of it but I stick to my words 'conduct is crucial' and respect for the squad members who substitute on," stated Tuchel. "Choices are taken and you must accept them being a professional."

Bellingham has to learn. It was unnecessary for an outburst. Kane had recently scored to make the national team 2-0 up in a meaningless match, there were six minutes left and he, after a below-par performance, had just been booked for a foul on the Albanian striker. This was hardly a questionable change. Actually it might have been reckless for Tuchel to leave Bellingham on because there was a risk Bellingham would rule himself out of the initial fixture of the World Cup by getting a second yellow card.

Shifting Focus on Himself

However, the player drew all eyes toward himself. No one could overlook the player's disappointment when he clocked that he would be substituted for a teammate. He flung his arms in the air and even though he exchanged a handshake after making his way to the bench it was clear that Tuchel did not appreciate it.

This represents the hurdle that Bellingham must overcome. He applauded Rashford for delivering the cross for Kane to nod home his second of the night, but his other actions was counterproductive. There was no chance arguing was going to alter the decision. The coach has stressed repeatedly respecting team hierarchies and the value of behaving correctly.

In the Spotlight

Bellingham, not included in the previous squad, has faced close inspection upon his return to the team in the current camp. In effect he was being assessed and he has not done himself any favours through his behavior to his substitution as the side completed a ideal group stage by defeating a tough opposition from Albania.

The Coach's Plan

This implies the jury is out on whether the team perform optimally with Bellingham in the team. The performance was open to interpretation. There was experimentation from the manager early on. Under him, England have gained England organization and direction lately, building with a No 6, a No 8, an attacking midfielder and out-and-out wingers, but the approach changed against Albania. The young defender was handed his international debut, the midfielder made his first start for England and the use of the defender as a makeshift midfielder gave a faint echo to City's 2023 treble winners.

Mixed Performance

Bellingham was a mixed bag. He created an opportunity for Eze during the second half but frequently appeared trying too hard. He made many hurried and errant passes. An unnecessary confrontation with an Albania midfielder in the early stages. The team looked disjointed during most of the second period. An opportunity for Albania came after he lost the ball cheaply. His booking occurred when an opponent took the ball from Broja and fouled Broja.

Depth Makes the Difference

Finally England’s depth proved crucial. Tuchel threw on Phil Foden, who looked more naturally fitted to the position occupied by Bellingham earlier in the match, and the Arsenal winger. In time Saka whipped in a corner for Kane to open the scoring. This served as a reminder that corners and free-kicks are going to be vital at the World Cup.

Relationship Not Broken

Nevertheless, Bellingham was the story. The excellence of the winger's delivery for Kane's goal was a little lost amid the drama of the Rogers substitution. After the final whistle, all eyes were on the midfielder. The coach approached behind him and guided Bellingham in the direction of the English fans. The bond between them remains intact. Tuchel hasn't decided to abandon him at this stage. Yet whether the coach is prepared to grant him a starring role is still uncertain.