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If Jude Bellingham wants to force his way once again into the English best starting eleven, he would be wise to cut out the unnecessary reactions. His reaction upon realizing that the substitute board was being shown following a night of mixed performance in the match against Albania fell short of expectations.

"I prefer not to make more out of it but I stand by my words 'behaviour is key' and respect for the players who come in," Tuchel said. "Choices are taken and you have to accept it as a player."

The midfielder must understand. It was unnecessary for a strop. Harry Kane had only moments earlier made it the Three Lions leading by two in a meaningless qualifier, there were six minutes left and Bellingham, who had not played particularly well, was just shown a yellow for bringing down the Albanian striker. It was not a debatable decision. In fact it might have been reckless for the manager to not substitute him considering there was a chance he would be suspended of the opening game of the competition by getting a second yellow card.

Shifting Focus on Himself

Yet Bellingham drew all eyes toward himself. No one could overlook the 22-year-old’s annoyance when he clocked that his replacement was ready for a teammate. His arms went up in exasperation and while he accepted the coach's hand while heading to the sideline it was clear that Tuchel was not impressed.

This represents the hurdle facing Bellingham. He applauded Marcus Rashford for providing the assist for the captain to score the team's second, but his other actions was harmful to his cause. It is not as if protesting was going to alter the decision. Tuchel has stressed repeatedly following squad protocols and the value of behaving correctly.

Facing Examination

The midfielder, omitted from the team last month, is being watched carefully after returning to the fold recently. Practically he was being assessed and he has not done himself any favours through his behavior to being taken off as the side completed a flawless qualification run by overcoming a spirited effort from Albania.

Tactics and Formation

As a result the jury is out on how the squad function at their best including Bellingham. The performance was not definitive. There was experimentation from the manager at the start. He has given England a clear system lately, employing a holding player, a No 8, an attacking midfielder and dedicated wide players, but the approach changed in this match. The young defender was given his first cap, Wharton made his first start at this level and the role of John Stones as a makeshift midfielder gave a faint echo to the Manchester club's 2023 treble winners.

Inconsistent Display

Bellingham had ups and downs. He set up a shot for Eberechi Eze during the second half but often looked too desperate to impress. Several poorly executed passes. An unnecessary confrontation with a rival player early on. The team looked disjointed for much of the second half. An opportunity for Albania followed Bellingham gave the ball away. The yellow card was shown after he was dispossessed from Broja and fouled Broja.

Substitutes Decide

Ultimately the bench quality proved crucial. Tuchel threw on the Manchester City player, who looked more naturally fitted to the spot in which Bellingham operated during the first half, and Saka. In time Saka provided a corner kick for the captain to score the first goal. It was a reminder that dead-ball situations are going to be vital in the upcoming tournament.

Relationship Not Broken

Still, though, the focus was on Bellingham. The brilliance of Rashford's cross for Kane’s header was partly forgotten in the ridiculousness of the substitution incident. At the end, all eyes were on Bellingham. Tuchel walked up behind him and guided Bellingham in the direction of the away supporters. The bond between them is not damaged. Tuchel is not willing to give up on the player just yet. Yet whether the coach is prepared to grant him centre stage is not guaranteed.