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For Bellingham to hopes to force his way once again into England’s top team, it would be smart to eliminate the unnecessary reactions. His reaction after noticing that his number was being shown after a match of inconsistency in Tirana fell short of expectations.

"I’d rather not make more out of it but I hold to my words 'behaviour is key' and respect for the teammates who come in," Tuchel said. "Choices are taken and you need to comply when you're on the field."

The midfielder must understand. It was unnecessary for a tantrum. Harry Kane had only moments earlier made it England 2-0 up in an inconsequential match, the game had six minutes to go and he, following an inconsistent display, was just shown a yellow for bringing down an opponent. This could scarcely be called a questionable change. Indeed it would have been unwise for the head coach to keep Bellingham on the pitch because there was a risk he would be suspended of the initial fixture of the tournament by picking up a second caution.

Shifting Focus on Himself

However, the player made himself the center of attention. No one could overlook the 22-year-old’s annoyance when he clocked that he was going to make way for another player. He flung his arms in the air and even though he accepted the coach's hand while heading to the touchline it was obvious that the head coach did not appreciate it.

Here lies the test that Bellingham must overcome. He congratulated Rashford for providing the assist for the captain to score his second of the night, but the rest was harmful to his cause. It is not as if protesting was going to alter the decision. Tuchel has repeatedly emphasized honoring the team structure and the value of showing proper conduct.

Facing Examination

He, omitted from the team last month, is being watched carefully after returning to the fold this month. Essentially his place has been in question and he has not done himself any favours through his behavior to coming off the pitch as England rounded off a ideal group stage by overcoming a feisty challenge from the Albanian team.

The System and the Setup

This implies the jury is out on if the squad function at their best including Bellingham. The evidence here was not definitive. Some new ideas were tested from the manager in the beginning. He has provided England a clear system over the past few matches, using a holding player, a box-to-box player, a No 10 and out-and-out wingers, but there was a different feel against Albania. Jarell Quansah was handed his international debut, Adam Wharton made his first start for England and the positioning of the defender as a part-time midfielder meant there was passing resemblance to the Manchester club's team that won three trophies.

Inconsistent Display

His performance was inconsistent. He made a chance for Eberechi Eze during the second half but at times seemed too desperate to impress. There were a lot of rushed, misplaced passes. A pointless clash against an opponent early on. England's play was messy during most of the second period. An opportunity for Albania resulted from he lost the ball cheaply. The yellow card came after an opponent took the ball by Broja and committed a foul on Broja.

Depth Makes the Difference

Ultimately the squad's strength was decisive. The coach brought on Foden, who looked more naturally fitted to the position that Bellingham had played in the opening period, and Bukayo Saka. Later Saka provided a corner for the captain to score the first goal. It highlighted that corners and free-kicks will be crucial in the upcoming tournament.

Bridge Still Stands

Still, though, all talk was about Bellingham. The excellence of Rashford's cross for Kane’s header was partly forgotten amid the drama of the Rogers substitution. After the final whistle, everyone was watching Bellingham. The coach approached behind him and directed the Real Madrid midfielder towards the away supporters. The bond between them remains intact. Tuchel is not willing to abandon the player just yet. Yet whether he is willing to offer him the central position remains in doubt.