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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 response upon realizing that the substitute board was about to come up after an evening of inconsistency in the match against Albania was unacceptable.

"I prefer not to overstate it but I hold to my words 'conduct is crucial' and respect for the squad members who enter the game," commented the coach. "Substitutions happen and you must accept them being a professional."

There is a lesson for Bellingham. There was no call for a tantrum. Harry Kane had recently scored to make the Three Lions leading by two in a dead rubber qualifier, the game had six minutes to go and Bellingham, who had not played particularly well, had just been booked for a foul on the Albanian striker. This was hardly a debatable decision. Actually it would have been foolish for the head coach to not substitute him considering there was a chance Bellingham would be suspended of the initial fixture of the competition by picking up a second yellow card.

Shifting Focus Upon Himself

Yet Bellingham made himself the center of attention. It was impossible to miss the 22-year-old’s frustration upon understanding that he was going to make way for Morgan Rogers. He flung his arms in the air and even though he exchanged a handshake on his way to the bench it was clear that the head coach was not impressed.

This represents the hurdle that Bellingham must overcome. He praised Rashford for delivering the cross for Kane to nod home his second goal, but his other actions was self-defeating. It is not as if protesting was going to alter the decision. The coach has repeatedly emphasized honoring the team structure and the importance of acting professionally.

In the Spotlight

He, not included in last month’s squad, is being watched carefully after returning to the fold recently. In effect he has been on trial and he has not done himself any favours through his behavior to coming off the pitch as England wrapped up a flawless qualification run by defeating a tough opposition from Albania.

The Coach's Plan

As a result the jury is out on how the squad operate most effectively including Bellingham. What we saw was inconclusive. Tuchel tried new things by the coach at the start. He has provided England structure and clarity in recent months, building with a defensive midfielder, a box-to-box player, a No 10 and dedicated wide players, but the approach changed against Albania. Jarell Quansah was given his first cap, the midfielder made his first start internationally and the role of John Stones as a part-time midfielder gave a similar look to 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 often looked too desperate to impress. Several rushed, misplaced passes. A pointless clash with an Albania midfielder in the early stages. The team looked disjointed for much of the second half. A scoring chance for the opponents followed Bellingham gave the ball away. His caution was shown after an opponent took the ball from Broja and brought down the attacker.

Depth Makes the Difference

Ultimately the squad's strength proved crucial. The coach brought on Foden, who seemed more comfortable to the position that Bellingham had played in the opening period, and Bukayo Saka. Later Saka delivered a corner kick for Kane to score the first goal. This served as a reminder that dead-ball situations are going to be vital in the upcoming tournament.

Connection Remains

Nevertheless, all talk was about Bellingham. The excellence of Rashford’s assist for Kane’s header was a little lost due to the fuss of the player change. At the end, all eyes were on him. Tuchel came over behind him and directed the player towards the English fans. The bond between them is not damaged. The coach isn't ready to discard the player just yet. But if he is willing to offer him centre stage is not guaranteed.