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If Jude Bellingham aims to fight his way back into the English strongest squad, he would be wise to cut out the unnecessary reactions. His reaction after noticing that his number was going up after a match of inconsistency in Tirana was not good enough.

"I prefer not to make more out of it but I stand by my words 'conduct is crucial' and consideration for the teammates who come in," commented the coach. "Choices are taken and you must accept them when you're on the field."

The midfielder must understand. There was no call for a strop. The captain had recently scored to make the Three Lions 2-0 up in a dead rubber qualifier, there were six minutes left and he, who had not played particularly well, had just been booked for fouling an opponent. This was hardly a controversial substitution. In fact it might have been reckless for Tuchel to not substitute him because there was a chance he would make himself ineligible of the opening game of the tournament by receiving a another booking.

Shifting Focus Upon Himself

Yet Bellingham made himself the center of attention. No one could overlook the player's frustration as he realized that he was going to make way for a teammate. His arms went up in exasperation and although he accepted the coach's hand on his way to the touchline it was clear that the manager did not appreciate it.

This is the challenge for Bellingham. He praised Marcus Rashford for delivering the cross for Harry Kane to head in his second of the night, but everything else was counterproductive. It is not as if complaining was going to reverse the substitution. The German has repeatedly emphasized honoring the team structure and the necessity of behaving correctly.

In the Spotlight

Bellingham, not included in the previous squad, is being watched carefully after returning to the squad this month. Essentially he was being assessed and he has not done himself any favours with his response to his substitution as the national team completed a perfect qualifying campaign by overcoming a spirited effort from Albania.

The Coach's Plan

As a result opinions are divided on whether the team function at their best with Bellingham in the team. The evidence here was open to interpretation. Some new ideas were tested from Tuchel in the beginning. He has provided England 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 versus Albania. Quansah was handed his international debut, Wharton made his first start for England and the role of Stones as a makeshift midfielder created a similar look to the Manchester club's team that won three trophies.

A Game of Two Halves

His performance was inconsistent. He set up a shot for Eze during the second half but often looked trying too hard. He made many poorly executed passes. An unnecessary confrontation with an Albania midfielder early on. England's play was messy for much of the second half. A scoring chance for the opponents came after Bellingham gave the ball away. His caution was shown after he was dispossessed by Broja and fouled Broja.

Substitutes Decide

Finally the squad's strength made the difference. The coach brought on Phil Foden, who seemed more naturally fitted to the role that Bellingham had played during the first half, and Bukayo Saka. Eventually Saka delivered a corner for Harry Kane to score the first goal. This served as a reminder that corners and free-kicks will be crucial in the upcoming tournament.

Bridge Still Stands

However, Bellingham was the story. The brilliance of Rashford’s assist for the second goal was a little lost in the ridiculousness of the Rogers substitution. After the final whistle, all eyes were on Bellingham. The coach approached from behind and directed the player to acknowledge the travelling England fans. Their relationship remains intact. Tuchel is not willing to abandon him at this stage. However, whether Tuchel is inclined to grant him centre stage remains in doubt.