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For Bellingham to aims to fight his way once again into the English strongest squad, the smart move to do away with the nonsense. His response upon realizing that his number was being shown after a match of uneven play in the match against Albania fell short of expectations.

"I’d rather not overstate it but I hold to my words 'conduct is crucial' and respect towards the squad members who substitute on," stated Tuchel. "Decisions are made and you need to comply as a player."

There is a lesson for Bellingham. There was no need for a tantrum. Harry Kane had just put England two goals ahead in an inconsequential qualifier, there were six minutes left and the player, who had not played particularly well, was just shown a yellow for a foul on an opponent. This was hardly a controversial substitution. In fact it would have been unwise for Tuchel to not substitute him considering there was a risk the midfielder would make himself ineligible of the initial fixture of the competition by getting a second yellow card.

Drawing Attention on Himself

Yet Bellingham drew all eyes toward himself. No one could overlook the player's annoyance as he realized that he was going to make way for another player. He flung his arms in the air and even though he exchanged a handshake on his way to the bench it was obvious that the manager was displeased.

This represents the hurdle that Bellingham must overcome. He praised Marcus Rashford for delivering the cross for Kane to score his second of the night, but his other actions was harmful to his cause. There was no chance protesting was going to alter the decision. The coach has repeatedly emphasized respecting team hierarchies and the necessity of showing proper conduct.

In the Spotlight

He, not included in the team last month, has faced close inspection upon his return to the squad recently. Practically his place has been in question and he has not done himself any favours with his response to his substitution as England wrapped up a perfect qualifying campaign by overcoming a feisty challenge from Albania.

The Coach's Plan

It means the jury is out on whether England function at their best including Bellingham. The evidence here was not definitive. Some new ideas were tested from the manager at the start. Under him, England have gained the team organization and direction over the past few matches, using a defensive midfielder, a No 8, an attacking midfielder and out-and-out wingers, but there was a different feel against Albania. Jarell Quansah was given his first cap, Wharton started for the first time for England and the role of John Stones as an auxiliary midfielder meant there was faint echo to the Manchester club's team that won three trophies.

A Game of Two Halves

Bellingham had ups and downs. He set up a shot for his teammate in the latter period but at times seemed too desperate to impress. He made many poorly executed passes. An unnecessary confrontation against an opponent at the beginning. The team looked disjointed during most of the second period. A scoring chance for the opponents resulted from Bellingham gave the ball away. His caution occurred when an opponent took the ball to Broja and fouled the former Chelsea striker.

Substitutes Decide

Ultimately the bench quality made the difference. Tuchel introduced Phil Foden, who looked better suited to the role in which Bellingham operated in the opening period, and Bukayo Saka. Eventually Saka provided a set-piece for Kane to break the deadlock. It was a reminder that set pieces will play a key role at the World Cup.

Relationship Not Broken

Still, though, all talk was about Bellingham. The excellence of Rashford's cross for the second goal was partly forgotten amid the drama of the substitution incident. When the match concluded, the focus was on Bellingham. Tuchel came over from behind and pushed the Real Madrid midfielder in the direction of the travelling England fans. The bond between them is not damaged. Tuchel hasn't decided to give up on Bellingham yet. Yet whether he is willing to offer him centre stage is not guaranteed.