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If Jude Bellingham aims to force his way back into England’s strongest team, it would be smart to do away with the dramatics. His reaction upon realizing that his number was being shown after a match of uneven play in the match against Albania was unacceptable.

"I prefer not to blow it out of proportion but I stick to my words 'behaviour is key' and respect for the players who come in," stated Tuchel. "Decisions are made and you have to accept it being a professional."

The midfielder must understand. It was unnecessary for a tantrum. The captain had just put the Three Lions leading by two in a meaningless qualifier, the game had six minutes to go and Bellingham, following an inconsistent display, received a caution for fouling Armando Broja. It was not a debatable decision. In fact it would have been foolish for the manager to not substitute him because there was a risk the midfielder would be suspended of the initial fixture of the World Cup by getting a second caution.

Turning the Spotlight Upon Himself

However, the player turned the spotlight on himself. It was impossible to miss the player's frustration upon understanding that he was going to make way for a teammate. He flung his arms in the air and while he shook Tuchel’s hand on his way to the bench there was no doubt that the manager was not impressed.

This is the challenge facing Bellingham. He congratulated Rashford for sending in the ball for Kane to score his second goal, but the rest was harmful to his cause. It is not as if arguing was going to reverse the substitution. The coach has talked so much about honoring the team structure and the importance of showing proper conduct.

In the Spotlight

He, left out of the previous squad, has been under scrutiny since coming back to the team in the current camp. Practically his place has been in question and he has not done himself any favours through his behavior to his substitution as the side wrapped up a flawless qualification run by seeing off a tough opposition from Albania.

The Coach's Plan

It means opinions are divided on whether the squad operate most effectively when Bellingham plays. What we saw was not definitive. Some new ideas were tested from the manager at the start. He has given the squad structure and clarity over the past few matches, using a No 6, a box-to-box player, a No 10 and specialist wingers, but it felt different against Albania. Quansah was given his first cap, Wharton made his first start at this level and the use of the defender as an auxiliary midfielder gave a passing resemblance to City's historic treble-winning side.

Mixed Performance

Bellingham was a mixed bag. He created an opportunity for Eze after the break but frequently appeared trying too hard. He made many poorly executed passes. A pointless clash with an Albania midfielder in the early stages. England's play was messy after halftime. An opportunity for Albania came after he lost the ball cheaply. His booking occurred when he was dispossessed to Broja and brought down the former Chelsea striker.

Depth Makes the Difference

Finally England’s depth proved crucial. Tuchel introduced the Manchester City player, who looked better suited to the spot in which Bellingham operated earlier in the match, and the Arsenal winger. Eventually Saka provided a corner kick for the captain to open the scoring. It highlighted that dead-ball situations will be crucial at the World Cup.

Bridge Still Stands

However, the focus was on Bellingham. The brilliance of Rashford's cross for the second goal was somewhat overlooked due to the fuss of the substitution incident. When the match concluded, everyone was watching Bellingham. Tuchel walked up to his side and guided the player towards the travelling England fans. Their relationship is not broken. Tuchel hasn't decided to abandon the player just yet. Yet whether Tuchel is inclined to grant him the central position is not guaranteed.