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If Jude Bellingham hopes to earn his place back into England’s top squad, it would be smart to cut out the unnecessary reactions. The way he reacted after noticing that his number was being shown after a match of uneven play in Tirana fell short of expectations.

"I don’t want to blow it out of proportion but I stand by my words 'behaviour is key' and respect towards the players who substitute on," Tuchel said. "Decisions are made and you have to accept it being a professional."

There is a lesson for Bellingham. There was no need for a strop. Harry Kane had just put the Three Lions two goals ahead in an inconsequential match, the game had six minutes to go and the player, after a below-par performance, had just been booked for bringing down the Albanian striker. This was hardly a controversial substitution. In fact it would have been unwise for the manager to not substitute him because there was a risk Bellingham would be suspended of the opening game of the tournament by receiving a second yellow card.

Shifting Focus on Himself

But Bellingham made himself the center of attention. It was impossible to miss the player's annoyance upon understanding that he would be substituted for Morgan Rogers. He flung his arms in the air and although he exchanged a handshake while heading to the sideline it was obvious that Tuchel was not impressed.

Here lies the test facing Bellingham. He applauded his teammate for providing the assist for Harry Kane to score the team's second, but his other actions was counterproductive. There was no chance complaining was going to change Tuchel’s mind. Tuchel has repeatedly emphasized respecting team hierarchies and the necessity of acting professionally.

In the Spotlight

Bellingham, left out of the previous squad, has been under scrutiny since coming back to the fold in the current camp. In effect he has been on trial and his actions haven't benefited him through his behavior to his substitution as the national team completed a ideal group stage by seeing off a spirited effort from their opponents.

The System and the Setup

This implies the jury is out on how the squad function at their best with Bellingham in the team. The performance was open to interpretation. Tuchel tried new things from the manager early on. He has given the team a clear system over the past few matches, using a No 6, a box-to-box player, a No 10 and out-and-out wingers, but it felt different in this match. Jarell Quansah was given his first cap, Adam Wharton started for the first time for England and the use of John Stones as a makeshift midfielder gave a passing resemblance to Manchester City’s team that won three trophies.

A Game of Two Halves

Bellingham had ups and downs. He created an opportunity for his teammate after the break but frequently appeared too desperate to impress. He made many hurried and errant passes. There was a needless bit of aggro with an Albania midfielder at the beginning. England were ragged for much of the second half. One Albania chance resulted from Bellingham gave the ball away. The yellow card occurred when an opponent took the ball by Broja and fouled the attacker.

Squad Strength Shows

Ultimately England’s depth was decisive. Tuchel threw on Phil Foden, who looked more naturally fitted to the position that Bellingham had played in the opening period, and Saka. Eventually Saka provided a set-piece for the captain to open the scoring. It highlighted that set pieces are going to be vital next summer.

Connection Remains

However, Bellingham was the story. The brilliance of Rashford's cross for the second goal was a little lost amid the drama of the player change. When the match concluded, everyone was watching the midfielder. The coach approached to his side and pushed the player in the direction of the away supporters. Their relationship remains intact. Tuchel is not willing to discard Bellingham yet. But if Tuchel is inclined to give him centre stage is not guaranteed.