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If Jude Bellingham hopes to force his way once again into England’s best team, it would be smart to eliminate the unnecessary reactions. His reaction after noticing that he was going up following a night of uneven play in the match against Albania fell short of expectations.

"I’d rather not make more out of it but I stand by my words 'behaviour is key' and respect towards the teammates who substitute on," Tuchel said. "Choices are taken and you must accept them being a professional."

There is a lesson for Bellingham. There was no call for an outburst. 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 he, following an inconsistent display, was just shown a yellow for bringing down an opponent. It was not a questionable change. Actually it might have been reckless for the manager to keep Bellingham on the pitch considering it was possible he would make himself ineligible of the first match of the tournament by getting a another booking.

Drawing Attention Upon Himself

Yet Bellingham made himself the center of attention. There was no disguising the young midfielder's frustration as he realized that he was going to make way for a teammate. He flung his arms in the air and although he shook Tuchel’s hand on his way to the sideline it was clear that Tuchel did not appreciate it.

This represents the hurdle for Bellingham. He congratulated Rashford for sending in the ball for Harry Kane to nod home his second of the night, but the rest 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 showing proper conduct.

Under Scrutiny

Bellingham, omitted from the previous squad, is being watched carefully upon his return to the team recently. In effect he has been on trial and his actions haven't benefited him with his response to his substitution as the national team completed a perfect qualifying campaign by overcoming a tough opposition from their opponents.

Tactics and Formation

As a result it's unclear on how England perform optimally including Bellingham. The performance was not definitive. Some new ideas were tested from the manager at the start. He has provided the team a clear system in recent months, employing a No 6, a box-to-box player, an attacking midfielder and dedicated wide players, but it felt different versus Albania. Jarell Quansah was given his first cap, the midfielder was in the starting lineup internationally and the use of the defender as a part-time midfielder meant there was faint echo to Manchester City’s team that won three trophies.

A Game of Two Halves

His performance was inconsistent. He made a chance for Eberechi Eze in the latter period but at times seemed overly eager to shine. Several rushed, misplaced passes. There was a needless bit of aggro against an opponent at the beginning. England's play was messy during most of the second period. A scoring chance for the opponents followed Bellingham squandered possession. His caution was shown after he was dispossessed by Broja and brought down the former Chelsea striker.

Squad Strength Shows

Finally England’s depth proved crucial. The coach brought on Phil Foden, who appeared more naturally fitted to the spot in which Bellingham operated in the opening period, and Saka. Eventually Saka provided a set-piece for the captain to break the deadlock. It highlighted that set pieces are going to be vital next summer.

Connection Remains

Still, though, all talk was about Bellingham. The excellence of the winger's delivery for the second goal was a little lost due to the fuss of the player change. After the final whistle, all eyes were on Bellingham. The coach approached from behind and directed the Real Madrid midfielder in the direction of the English fans. Their relationship is not broken. Tuchel hasn't decided to discard Bellingham yet. However, whether the coach is prepared to grant him the central position is not guaranteed.