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If Jude Bellingham hopes to fight his way back into the English top squad, he would be wise to do away with the dramatics. His response upon realizing that his number was about to come up following a night of mixed performance in Tirana was not good enough.

"I don’t want to overstate it but I stick to my words 'behaviour is key' and respect for the squad members who come in," stated Tuchel. "Choices are taken and you need to comply being a professional."

The midfielder must understand. There was no need for a strop. The captain had recently scored to make the Three Lions two goals ahead in a dead rubber match, the game had six minutes to go and Bellingham, following an inconsistent display, had just been booked for fouling the Albanian striker. This could scarcely be called a controversial substitution. In fact it might have been reckless for Tuchel to keep Bellingham on the pitch considering there was a chance he would be suspended of the first match of the competition by getting a second caution.

Turning the Spotlight on Himself

But Bellingham drew all eyes toward himself. It was impossible to miss the young midfielder's frustration as he realized that his replacement was ready for Morgan Rogers. His arms went up in exasperation and although he exchanged a handshake while heading to the sideline it was obvious that the head coach was not impressed.

This represents the hurdle facing Bellingham. He congratulated his teammate for sending in the ball for the captain to head in his second goal, but his other actions was counterproductive. There was no chance complaining was going to alter the decision. Tuchel has talked so much about following squad protocols and the importance of acting professionally.

Facing Examination

He, not included in the team last month, is being watched carefully after returning to the team in the current camp. In effect he has been on trial and he hasn't helped his case with his response to being taken off as England rounded off a perfect qualifying campaign by defeating a spirited effort from Albania.

The Coach's Plan

It means it's unclear on how the team operate most effectively including Bellingham. The evidence here was not definitive. Tuchel tried new things by the coach at the start. He has given the team organization and direction over the past few matches, using a No 6, a No 8, a No 10 and out-and-out wingers, but it felt different against Albania. Quansah was given his first cap, Adam Wharton started for the first time internationally and the use of the defender as an auxiliary midfielder gave a passing resemblance 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 Eberechi Eze in the latter period but at times seemed too desperate to impress. Several hurried and errant passes. A pointless clash with a rival player in the early stages. The team looked disjointed during most of the second period. One Albania chance followed he lost the ball cheaply. His caution was shown after he lost the ball by Broja and committed a foul on Broja.

Substitutes Decide

Ultimately the bench quality made the difference. Tuchel threw on the Manchester City player, who looked more naturally fitted to the role in which Bellingham operated during the first half, and Bukayo Saka. Later Saka provided a set-piece for the captain to score the first goal. It was a reminder that dead-ball situations will be crucial at the World Cup.

Relationship Not Broken

Still, though, Bellingham was the story. The excellence of Rashford’s assist for Kane's goal was somewhat overlooked amid the drama of the player change. After the final whistle, all eyes were on him. Tuchel came over behind him and guided the player in the direction of the travelling England fans. Their connection is not damaged. The coach isn't ready to discard Bellingham yet. Yet whether the coach is prepared to give him the central position is not guaranteed.