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If Jude Bellingham aims to earn his place once again into the English strongest squad, he would be wise to do away with the dramatics. His response after noticing that his number was being shown after a match of mixed performance in the match against Albania was unacceptable.

"I’d rather not blow it out of proportion but I stand by my words 'behaviour is key' and respect towards the squad members who substitute on," commented the coach. "Substitutions happen and you have to accept it being a professional."

The midfielder must understand. There was no call for a tantrum. Kane had just put the national team leading by two in an inconsequential fixture, the game had six minutes to go and Bellingham, after a below-par performance, was just shown a yellow for bringing down the Albanian striker. This was hardly a controversial substitution. Indeed it would have been unwise for the manager to keep Bellingham on the pitch given that there was a chance he would be suspended of the initial fixture of the competition by getting a another booking.

Turning the Spotlight on Himself

But Bellingham drew all eyes toward himself. It was impossible to miss the young midfielder's annoyance as he realized that he would be substituted for another player. He threw his arms up and although he accepted the coach's hand while heading to the touchline it was obvious that the head coach was displeased.

This represents the hurdle for Bellingham. He praised Rashford for delivering the cross for the captain to nod home his second of the night, but his other actions was harmful to his cause. It's not like complaining was going to change Tuchel’s mind. The German has repeatedly emphasized honoring the team structure and the necessity of showing proper conduct.

Under Scrutiny

The midfielder, left out of the previous squad, has faced close inspection since coming back to the team this month. In effect his place has been in question and he hasn't helped his case through his behavior to being taken off as the side rounded off a perfect qualifying campaign by seeing off a tough opposition from the Albanian team.

The Coach's Plan

It means opinions are divided on whether England operate most effectively with Bellingham in the team. What we saw was not definitive. Some new ideas were tested from Tuchel early on. He has given the squad a clear system over the past few matches, employing a holding player, a central midfielder, a playmaker and specialist wingers, but the approach changed against Albania. Quansah was handed his international debut, the midfielder made his first start for England and the use of Stones as a part-time midfielder gave a faint echo to City's team that won three trophies.

A Game of Two Halves

His performance was inconsistent. He created an opportunity for his teammate during the second half but often looked too desperate to impress. He made many hurried and errant passes. An unnecessary confrontation against an opponent early on. England were ragged during most of the second period. One Albania chance resulted from he lost the ball cheaply. His caution was shown after he was dispossessed to Broja and committed a foul on the former Chelsea striker.

Depth Makes the Difference

In the end England’s depth proved crucial. Tuchel introduced Foden, who appeared better suited to the spot in which Bellingham operated earlier in the match, and Saka. In time Saka provided a corner kick for Harry Kane to score the first goal. It highlighted that corners and free-kicks are going to be vital next summer.

Bridge Still Stands

Nevertheless, Bellingham was the story. The quality of Rashford’s assist for Kane’s header was a little lost due to the fuss of the player change. When the match concluded, all eyes were on Bellingham. Tuchel walked up to his side and directed the player to acknowledge the travelling England fans. Their relationship is not broken. Tuchel hasn't decided to discard him at this stage. However, whether the coach is prepared to offer him centre stage is not guaranteed.