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If Jude Bellingham wants to force his way back into England’s best team, the smart move to eliminate the unnecessary reactions. His reaction when he saw that his number was about to come up after a match of uneven play in the match against Albania was not good enough.

"I don’t want to overstate it but I stick to my words 'attitude matters' and respect towards the squad members who enter the game," commented the coach. "Substitutions happen and you must accept them when you're on the field."

Bellingham has to learn. There was no call for an outburst. Kane had just put the national team leading by two in a dead rubber fixture, there were six minutes left and he, after a below-par performance, received a caution for bringing down the Albanian striker. It was not a questionable change. Actually it might have been reckless for Tuchel to not substitute him considering there was a chance the midfielder would make himself ineligible of the opening game of the World Cup by picking up a another booking.

Drawing Attention to Himself

However, the player turned the spotlight on himself. There was no disguising the 22-year-old’s frustration upon understanding that he would be substituted for another player. He flung his arms in the air and while he accepted the coach's hand after making his way to the sideline there was no doubt that the manager was not impressed.

Here lies the test that Bellingham must overcome. He applauded Rashford for providing the assist for Harry Kane to score the team's second, but the rest was harmful to his cause. There was no chance arguing was going to change Tuchel’s mind. The German has stressed repeatedly following squad protocols and the value of behaving correctly.

In the Spotlight

The midfielder, left out of the previous squad, has been under scrutiny since coming back to the team this month. Practically he was being assessed and his actions haven't benefited him by reacting to being taken off as the side wrapped up a perfect qualifying campaign by seeing off a tough opposition from their opponents.

Tactics and Formation

As a result opinions are divided on how the squad operate most effectively including Bellingham. What we saw was inconclusive. Some new ideas were tested from Tuchel early on. He has provided the team structure and clarity lately, employing a No 6, a No 8, a No 10 and out-and-out wingers, but there was a different feel versus Albania. Quansah was given his first cap, Adam Wharton started for the first time internationally and the use of the defender as a makeshift midfielder gave a faint echo to Manchester City’s historic treble-winning side.

A Game of Two Halves

Bellingham was a mixed bag. He made a chance for his teammate in the latter period but at times seemed too desperate to impress. Several poorly executed passes. A pointless clash against an opponent early on. England's play was messy during most of the second period. One Albania chance followed Bellingham squandered possession. The yellow card came after an opponent took the ball from Broja and fouled Broja.

Depth Makes the Difference

Finally the bench quality was decisive. Tuchel threw on Foden, who seemed more comfortable to the spot that Bellingham had played earlier in the match, and the Arsenal winger. Later Saka provided a corner for Kane to score the first goal. This served as a reminder that corners and free-kicks will play a key role at the World Cup.

Bridge Still Stands

Nevertheless, the focus was on Bellingham. The quality of Rashford’s assist for Kane’s header was a little lost amid the drama of the substitution incident. After the final whistle, all eyes were on Bellingham. Tuchel came over to his side and guided the player to acknowledge the travelling England fans. Their relationship remains intact. The coach isn't ready to abandon him at this stage. Yet whether he is willing to give him the central position remains in doubt.