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If Jude Bellingham hopes to fight his way back into the English best team, it would be smart to eliminate the unnecessary reactions. His response when he saw that his number was being shown after a match of inconsistency in the match against Albania fell short of expectations.

"I don’t want to overstate it but I stand by my words 'behaviour is key' and respect for the squad members who substitute on," stated Tuchel. "Decisions are made and you need to comply as a player."

Bellingham has to learn. There was no call for a strop. The captain had recently scored to make the national team two goals ahead in a meaningless qualifier, there were six minutes left and the player, after a below-par performance, had just been booked for a foul on Armando Broja. This was hardly a questionable change. In fact it would have been foolish for the manager to not substitute him given that there was a risk he would be suspended of the initial fixture of the tournament by picking up a another booking.

Shifting Focus to Himself

But Bellingham drew all eyes toward himself. There was no disguising the 22-year-old’s disappointment as he realized that his replacement was ready for another player. He flung his arms in the air and even though he exchanged a handshake after making his way to the touchline there was no doubt that the manager did not appreciate it.

This is the challenge for Bellingham. He applauded Marcus Rashford for providing the assist for the captain to head in his second of the night, but his other actions was harmful to his cause. There was no chance arguing was going to alter the decision. Tuchel has stressed repeatedly respecting team hierarchies and the value of behaving correctly.

Under Scrutiny

Bellingham, left out of the team last month, has been under scrutiny upon his return to the squad recently. In effect he was being assessed and he hasn't helped his case by reacting to being taken off as the national team rounded off a flawless qualification run by overcoming a spirited effort from the Albanian team.

The Coach's Plan

As a result the jury is out on if England function at their best with Bellingham in the team. The performance was not definitive. Some new ideas were tested from Tuchel at the start. Under him, England have gained the team a clear system over the past few matches, using a holding player, a central midfielder, a playmaker and dedicated wide players, but there was a different feel against Albania. Quansah was given his first cap, the midfielder made his first start for England and the use of Stones as a part-time midfielder created a similar look to the Manchester club's historic treble-winning side.

Inconsistent Display

Bellingham was a mixed bag. He made a chance for his teammate after the break but at times seemed too desperate to impress. He made many hurried and errant passes. An unnecessary confrontation with a rival player in the early stages. The team looked disjointed for much of the second half. One Albania chance came after Bellingham gave the ball away. The yellow card was shown after he lost the ball by Broja and committed a foul on Broja.

Squad Strength Shows

In the end the squad's strength was decisive. Tuchel introduced the Manchester City player, who looked more comfortable to the position occupied by Bellingham earlier in the match, and Bukayo Saka. Eventually Saka provided a corner kick for the captain to open the scoring. It was a reminder that set pieces will play a key role in the upcoming tournament.

Connection Remains

However, Bellingham was the story. The excellence of Rashford's cross for the second goal was somewhat overlooked due to the fuss of the Rogers substitution. When the match concluded, all eyes were on him. Tuchel came over behind him and guided Bellingham to acknowledge the away supporters. Their relationship remains intact. The coach isn't ready to discard Bellingham yet. However, whether he is willing to grant him the central position remains in doubt.