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If Jude Bellingham aims to force his way back into England’s best team, he would be wise to cut out the dramatics. His reaction after noticing that he was about to come up following a night of uneven play in the match against Albania was unacceptable.

"I’d rather not make more out of it but I hold to my words 'conduct is crucial' and respect for the squad members who enter the game," stated Tuchel. "Choices are taken and you have to accept it being a professional."

The midfielder must understand. There was no call for a tantrum. Harry Kane had recently scored to make the national team 2-0 up in a meaningless fixture, with only six minutes remaining and he, following an inconsistent display, received a caution for bringing down an opponent. It was not a controversial substitution. Indeed it might have been reckless for the manager to keep Bellingham on the pitch because it was possible Bellingham would be suspended of the opening game of the tournament by picking up a second yellow card.

Shifting Focus on Himself

However, the player made himself the center of attention. There was no disguising the 22-year-old’s annoyance upon understanding that his replacement was ready for a teammate. He threw his arms up and even though he exchanged a handshake after making his way to the sideline it was obvious that the head coach did not appreciate it.

This represents the hurdle facing Bellingham. He praised Marcus Rashford for providing the assist for Kane to head in his second of the night, but the rest was harmful to his cause. It's not like protesting was going to change Tuchel’s mind. Tuchel has talked so much about honoring the team structure and the value of behaving correctly.

Under Scrutiny

Bellingham, not included in last month’s squad, has faced close inspection since coming back to the fold this month. Practically he has been on trial and he has not done himself any favours with his response to coming off the pitch as the side wrapped up a perfect qualifying campaign by defeating a spirited effort from their opponents.

Tactics and Formation

It means it's unclear on if the team perform optimally including Bellingham. What we saw was inconclusive. Some new ideas were tested by the coach early on. Under him, England have gained the team organization and direction lately, employing a No 6, a No 8, a No 10 and out-and-out wingers, but the approach changed against Albania. Jarell Quansah was made his England debut, Adam Wharton started for the first time at this level and the use of Stones as a makeshift midfielder created a passing resemblance to City's historic treble-winning side.

Mixed Performance

Bellingham was a mixed bag. He created an opportunity for Eze during the second half but at times seemed 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 during most of the second period. A scoring chance for the opponents followed Bellingham squandered possession. The yellow card came after an opponent took the ball by Broja and brought down the former Chelsea striker.

Squad Strength Shows

Finally the bench quality was decisive. The coach brought on the Manchester City player, who appeared better suited to the role in which Bellingham operated during the first half, and the Arsenal winger. Later Saka whipped in a corner for Kane to score the first goal. It was a reminder that corners and free-kicks will be crucial in the upcoming tournament.

Relationship Not Broken

Nevertheless, the focus was on Bellingham. The excellence of Rashford’s assist for the second goal was partly forgotten due to the fuss of the Rogers substitution. When the match concluded, the focus was on Bellingham. Tuchel walked up to his side and guided the player towards the away supporters. The bond between them is not broken. Tuchel is not willing to give up on Bellingham yet. But if the coach is prepared to give him centre stage remains in doubt.