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For Bellingham to hopes to force his way back into the English best squad, it would be smart to do away with the dramatics. The way he reacted when he saw that the substitute board was being shown following a night of inconsistency in the match against Albania fell short of expectations.

"I prefer not to overstate it but I hold to my words 'attitude matters' and respect for the squad members who substitute on," Tuchel said. "Decisions are made and you need to comply being a professional."

Bellingham has to learn. It was unnecessary for a tantrum. Harry Kane had recently scored to make the Three Lions two goals ahead in a meaningless match, the game had six minutes to go and Bellingham, who had not played particularly well, was just shown a yellow for a foul on Armando Broja. This could scarcely be called a questionable change. In fact it would have been unwise for Tuchel to leave Bellingham on considering there was a chance he would be suspended of the opening game of the tournament by getting a second caution.

Shifting Focus Upon Himself

However, the player made himself the center of attention. It was impossible to miss the player's annoyance upon understanding that his replacement was ready for another player. He threw his arms up and although he accepted the coach's hand on his way to the bench there was no doubt that Tuchel was not impressed.

This represents the hurdle facing Bellingham. He praised Marcus Rashford for providing the assist for the captain to head in his second goal, but the rest was harmful to his cause. There was no chance complaining was going to change Tuchel’s mind. The German has stressed repeatedly following squad protocols and the importance of acting professionally.

Facing Examination

The midfielder, not included in the previous squad, has been under scrutiny since coming back to the team this month. In effect he was being assessed and his actions haven't benefited him through his behavior to his substitution as the national team rounded off a ideal group stage by seeing off a feisty challenge from Albania.

The Coach's Plan

It means the jury is out on how the team operate most effectively with Bellingham in the team. The performance was not definitive. Some new ideas were tested from Tuchel in the beginning. He has provided the team structure and clarity over the past few matches, using a defensive midfielder, a No 8, a playmaker and out-and-out wingers, but it felt different versus Albania. Jarell Quansah was handed his international debut, Wharton made his first start at this level and the positioning of John Stones as a part-time midfielder meant there was similar look to Manchester City’s 2023 treble winners.

A Game of Two Halves

Bellingham was a mixed bag. He made a chance for his teammate during the second half but at times seemed too desperate to impress. There were a lot of rushed, misplaced passes. There was a needless bit of aggro with an Albania midfielder at the beginning. England were ragged for much of the second half. One Albania chance followed Bellingham squandered possession. His caution was shown after an opponent took the ball by Broja and fouled Broja.

Substitutes Decide

Finally the bench quality was decisive. Tuchel introduced Foden, who looked better suited to the spot occupied by Bellingham earlier in the match, and Saka. Later Saka provided a corner kick for Kane to score the first goal. This served as a reminder that corners and free-kicks are going to be vital next summer.

Relationship Not Broken

Still, though, all talk was about Bellingham. The brilliance of the winger's delivery for Kane’s header was a little lost amid the drama of the Rogers substitution. At the end, the focus was on him. The coach approached from behind and guided Bellingham to acknowledge the travelling England fans. Their connection is not broken. Tuchel hasn't decided to give up on Bellingham yet. Yet whether the coach is prepared to grant him a starring role remains in doubt.