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If Jude Bellingham wants to force his way into the English strongest starting eleven, he would be wise to do away with the dramatics. His reaction after noticing that his number was being shown following a night of uneven play in the match against Albania was unacceptable.

"I don’t want to overstate it but I stand by my words 'conduct is crucial' and respect for the teammates who come in," stated Tuchel. "Substitutions happen and you must accept them as a player."

There is a lesson for Bellingham. It was unnecessary for a strop. The captain had only moments earlier made it England leading by two in a dead rubber fixture, with only six minutes remaining and he, who had not played particularly well, was just shown a yellow for bringing down an opponent. This could scarcely be called a questionable change. In fact it would have been unwise for the head coach to leave Bellingham on given that there was a chance Bellingham would make himself ineligible of the opening game of the World Cup by receiving a another booking.

Drawing Attention on Himself

However, the player made himself the center of attention. There was no disguising the 22-year-old’s frustration when he clocked that he was going to make way for Morgan Rogers. He threw his arms up and although he exchanged a handshake while heading to the touchline it was obvious that Tuchel did not appreciate it.

This is the challenge for Bellingham. He applauded Rashford for delivering the cross for Harry Kane to head in the team's second, but the rest was counterproductive. It is not as if complaining was going to alter the decision. The German has stressed repeatedly honoring the team structure and the necessity of behaving correctly.

Facing Examination

Bellingham, not included in the team last month, is being watched carefully after returning to the squad recently. Practically his place has been in question and his actions haven't benefited him through his behavior to his substitution as the side completed a flawless qualification run by seeing off a feisty challenge from their opponents.

The Coach's Plan

This implies it's unclear on whether England perform optimally with Bellingham in the team. The evidence here was not definitive. Some new ideas were tested by the coach in the beginning. He has given the squad organization and direction lately, building with a No 6, a No 8, a No 10 and dedicated wide players, but it felt different against Albania. Quansah was handed his international debut, Adam Wharton was in the starting lineup internationally and the role of the defender as a part-time midfielder meant there was similar look to the Manchester club's historic treble-winning side.

Mixed Performance

Bellingham was a mixed bag. He created an opportunity for his teammate during the second half but often looked too desperate to impress. He made many poorly executed passes. A pointless clash with an Albania midfielder at the beginning. England were ragged during most of the second period. One Albania chance resulted from Bellingham squandered possession. His caution came after he was dispossessed to Broja and fouled the attacker.

Substitutes Decide

Ultimately the squad's strength proved crucial. Tuchel threw on the Manchester City player, who looked better suited to the position that Bellingham had played during the first half, and Saka. In time Saka provided a set-piece for the captain to break the deadlock. It was a reminder that dead-ball situations will be crucial in the upcoming tournament.

Relationship Not Broken

However, Bellingham was the story. The quality of Rashford’s assist for the second goal was partly forgotten due to the fuss of the substitution incident. At the end, the focus was on the midfielder. The coach approached from behind and guided the Real Madrid midfielder towards the travelling England fans. Their relationship is not damaged. Tuchel is not willing to discard the player just yet. However, whether the coach is prepared to grant him a starring role remains in doubt.