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For Bellingham to aims to fight his way once again into the English strongest team, the smart move to cut out the dramatics. His response upon realizing that the substitute board was going up after an evening of uneven play in the match against Albania fell short of expectations.

"I’d rather not make more out of it but I stick to my words 'behaviour is key' and respect for the teammates who substitute on," stated Tuchel. "Decisions are made and you have to accept it as a player."

The midfielder must understand. There was no call for an outburst. The captain had just put the national team leading by two in an inconsequential qualifier, with only six minutes remaining and he, who had not played particularly well, was just shown a yellow for a foul on an opponent. This could scarcely be called a debatable decision. In fact it would have been unwise for the manager to not substitute him considering it was possible the midfielder would rule himself out of the opening game of the competition by picking up a another booking.

Drawing Attention Upon Himself

However, the player made himself the center of attention. No one could overlook the player's disappointment when he clocked that his replacement was ready for a teammate. He threw his arms up and while he accepted the coach's hand on his way to the touchline it was clear that Tuchel was not impressed.

This represents the hurdle for Bellingham. He applauded his teammate for sending in the ball for Kane to head in the team's second, but everything else was harmful to his cause. It is not as if protesting was going to alter the decision. The coach has repeatedly emphasized respecting team hierarchies and the value of showing proper conduct.

Under Scrutiny

The midfielder, not included in the team last month, is being watched carefully since coming back to the team recently. Practically his place has been in question and he has not done himself any favours through his behavior to coming off the pitch as the national team completed a flawless qualification run by seeing off a feisty challenge from Albania.

The Coach's Plan

This implies opinions are divided on how the team perform optimally including Bellingham. The evidence here was inconclusive. There was experimentation by the coach in the beginning. He has provided the squad a clear system in recent months, employing a holding player, a central midfielder, a playmaker and out-and-out wingers, but there was a different feel against Albania. Quansah was handed his international debut, Adam Wharton made his first start internationally and the role of Stones as an auxiliary midfielder meant there was similar look to the Manchester club's 2023 treble winners.

A Game of Two Halves

Bellingham was a mixed bag. He created an opportunity for Eze after the break but frequently appeared trying too hard. Several hurried and errant passes. A pointless clash against an opponent in the early stages. The team looked disjointed after halftime. One Albania chance followed Bellingham gave the ball away. His booking occurred when he was dispossessed by Broja and fouled the former Chelsea striker.

Depth Makes the Difference

Finally England’s depth was decisive. The coach brought on Phil Foden, who looked more naturally fitted to the position in which Bellingham operated during the first half, and the Arsenal winger. In time Saka whipped in a set-piece for the captain to score the first goal. This served as a reminder that dead-ball situations will play a key role in the upcoming tournament.

Connection Remains

Nevertheless, all talk was about Bellingham. The quality of Rashford’s assist for Kane's goal was a little lost in the ridiculousness of the player change. When the match concluded, the focus was on the midfielder. Tuchel walked up to his side and directed the Real Madrid midfielder towards the English fans. Their relationship remains intact. Tuchel is not willing to give up on him at this stage. However, whether the coach is prepared to offer him centre stage remains in doubt.