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For Bellingham to wants to fight his way once again into the English strongest team, he would be wise to do away with the nonsense. His response after noticing that his number was being shown after a match of inconsistency in the match against Albania was unacceptable.

"I don’t want to make more out of it but I stand by my words 'conduct is crucial' and consideration for the squad members who substitute on," commented the coach. "Choices are taken and you must accept them when you're on the field."

There is a lesson for Bellingham. It was unnecessary for a strop. Kane had just put England two goals ahead in a meaningless match, there were six minutes left and the player, who had not played particularly well, received a caution for bringing down an opponent. It was not a debatable decision. Actually it would have been unwise for Tuchel to not substitute him because there was a risk the midfielder would rule himself out of the opening game of the competition by receiving a second caution.

Drawing Attention Upon Himself

But Bellingham turned the spotlight on himself. There was no disguising the 22-year-old’s annoyance as he realized that he would be substituted for Morgan Rogers. He flung his arms in the air and although he accepted the coach's hand while heading to the touchline it was clear that the manager was displeased.

Here lies the test facing Bellingham. He congratulated Marcus Rashford for delivering the cross for the captain to nod home his second of the night, but his other actions was harmful to his cause. It is not as if protesting was going to change Tuchel’s mind. Tuchel has stressed repeatedly following squad protocols and the value of acting professionally.

Under Scrutiny

The midfielder, not included in last month’s squad, has been under scrutiny after returning to the team this month. Essentially his place has been in question and he hasn't helped his case through his behavior to coming off the pitch as England rounded off a perfect qualifying campaign by seeing off a tough opposition from their opponents.

Tactics and Formation

As a result the jury is out on how the team function at their best when Bellingham plays. The evidence here was not definitive. Some new ideas were tested from Tuchel early on. He has given England a clear system over the past few matches, employing a defensive midfielder, a central midfielder, an attacking midfielder and specialist wingers, but there was a different feel in this match. The young defender was given his first cap, the midfielder made his first start at this level and the positioning of John Stones as an auxiliary midfielder created a passing resemblance to City's historic treble-winning side.

Inconsistent Display

Bellingham had ups and downs. He set up a shot for Eze during the second half but often looked trying too hard. There were a lot of rushed, misplaced passes. A pointless clash with an Albania midfielder in the early stages. The team looked disjointed during most of the second period. An opportunity for Albania followed he lost the ball cheaply. His booking came after he was dispossessed by Broja and fouled the attacker.

Substitutes Decide

In the end England’s depth proved crucial. Tuchel threw on the Manchester City player, who seemed more comfortable to the spot in which Bellingham operated in the opening period, and Saka. In time Saka delivered a set-piece for Kane to break the deadlock. It was a reminder that corners and free-kicks will be crucial next summer.

Connection Remains

Still, though, Bellingham was the story. The excellence of the winger's delivery for Kane’s header was somewhat overlooked amid the drama of the player change. When the match concluded, all eyes were on Bellingham. Tuchel came over to his side and guided Bellingham in the direction of the away supporters. Their relationship is not damaged. The coach isn't ready to give up on him at this stage. Yet whether he is willing to offer him a starring role is not guaranteed.