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If Jude Bellingham wants to force his way back into the English strongest team, the smart move to do away with the unnecessary reactions. His response after noticing that his number was about to come up after a match of inconsistency in Tirana was not good enough.

"I’d rather not make more out of it but I stand by my words 'conduct is crucial' and respect towards the squad members who enter the game," commented the coach. "Substitutions happen and you must accept them when you're on the field."

The midfielder must understand. There was no need for an outburst. Harry Kane had recently scored to make the national team two goals ahead in a meaningless fixture, there were six minutes left and the player, who had not played particularly well, received a caution for fouling Armando Broja. This was hardly a debatable decision. Indeed it would have been unwise for the head coach to leave Bellingham on because there was a chance the midfielder would be suspended of the opening game of the competition by receiving a second yellow card.

Turning the Spotlight to Himself

Yet Bellingham turned the spotlight on himself. No one could overlook the player's disappointment upon understanding that his replacement was ready for Morgan Rogers. He flung his arms in the air and while he exchanged a handshake on his way to the sideline it was clear that Tuchel was not impressed.

This is the challenge that Bellingham must overcome. He applauded his teammate for providing the assist for the captain to nod home his second goal, but his other actions was harmful to his cause. It is not as if arguing was going to reverse the substitution. Tuchel has stressed repeatedly respecting team hierarchies and the value of behaving correctly.

Facing Examination

He, omitted from the team last month, has been under scrutiny upon his return to the team in the current camp. Practically he has been on trial and he has not done himself any favours through his behavior to coming off the pitch as the side wrapped up a ideal group stage by overcoming a tough opposition from the Albanian team.

The System and the Setup

As a result it's unclear on whether England perform optimally including Bellingham. The evidence here was open to interpretation. There was experimentation by the coach at the start. He has provided the team organization and direction lately, employing a defensive midfielder, a central midfielder, a No 10 and dedicated wide players, but there was a different feel versus Albania. The young defender was given his first cap, the midfielder was in the starting lineup at this level and the role of John Stones as a part-time midfielder gave a passing resemblance to Manchester City’s team that won three trophies.

Mixed Performance

Bellingham was a mixed bag. He made a chance for his teammate in the latter period but at times seemed trying too hard. There were a lot of poorly executed passes. An unnecessary confrontation with an Albania midfielder early on. England were ragged for much of the second half. An opportunity for Albania resulted from Bellingham gave the ball away. His caution came after an opponent took the ball by Broja and fouled Broja.

Substitutes Decide

Ultimately England’s depth made the difference. Tuchel threw on Phil Foden, who seemed better suited to the position in which Bellingham operated earlier in the match, and the Arsenal winger. In time Saka provided a corner for the captain to break the deadlock. It highlighted that set pieces will play a key role next summer.

Relationship Not Broken

Nevertheless, the focus was on Bellingham. The quality of Rashford's cross for Kane's goal was somewhat overlooked in the ridiculousness of the player change. When the match concluded, all eyes were on Bellingham. The coach approached from behind and pushed the Real Madrid midfielder in the direction of the English fans. Their relationship is not damaged. Tuchel is not willing to abandon the player just yet. Yet whether he is willing to give him a starring role remains in doubt.