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If Jude Bellingham hopes to fight his way back into the English strongest starting eleven, he would be wise to eliminate the unnecessary reactions. His reaction when he saw that the substitute board was about to come up after an evening of inconsistency in the match against Albania was unacceptable.

"I don’t want to blow it out of proportion but I stand by my words 'conduct is crucial' and respect for the squad members who enter the game," stated Tuchel. "Substitutions happen and you need to comply when you're on the field."

Bellingham has to learn. It was unnecessary for a tantrum. Kane had only moments earlier made it the Three Lions two goals ahead in an inconsequential fixture, with only six minutes remaining and the player, following an inconsistent display, received a caution for bringing down Armando Broja. This was hardly a controversial substitution. In fact it might have been reckless for the head coach to not substitute him because there was a risk he would be suspended of the first match of the tournament by receiving a second yellow card.

Shifting Focus on Himself

But Bellingham drew all eyes toward himself. No one could overlook the 22-year-old’s frustration upon understanding that he was going to make way for Morgan Rogers. He flung his arms in the air and even though he shook Tuchel’s hand while heading to the sideline it was obvious that the head coach was displeased.

Here lies the test facing Bellingham. He praised Rashford for sending in the ball for the captain to score his second of the night, but everything else was self-defeating. It is not as if complaining was going to change Tuchel’s mind. The German has repeatedly emphasized following squad protocols and the value of behaving correctly.

Under Scrutiny

He, left out of last month’s squad, has faced close inspection since coming back to the squad recently. Essentially he has been on trial and his actions haven't benefited him through his behavior to coming off the pitch as England wrapped up a flawless qualification run by defeating a spirited effort from Albania.

Tactics and Formation

As a result it's unclear on whether the squad function at their best with Bellingham in the team. What we saw was inconclusive. Tuchel tried new things from Tuchel at the start. He has provided England organization and direction in recent months, employing a defensive midfielder, a No 8, an attacking midfielder and dedicated wide players, but it felt different against Albania. Quansah was handed his international debut, the midfielder was in the starting lineup for England and the positioning of the defender as an auxiliary midfielder gave a similar look to City's team that won three trophies.

Mixed Performance

Bellingham was a mixed bag. He set up a shot for his teammate in the latter period but often looked overly eager to shine. Several poorly executed passes. An unnecessary confrontation against an opponent in the early stages. England were ragged for much of the second half. An opportunity for Albania came after Bellingham gave the ball away. His caution occurred when an opponent took the ball by Broja and fouled Broja.

Squad Strength Shows

Finally England’s depth made the difference. Tuchel threw on the Manchester City player, who looked better suited to the spot in which Bellingham operated earlier in the match, and Bukayo Saka. In time Saka whipped in a corner for Harry Kane to break the deadlock. It highlighted that dead-ball situations will be crucial in the upcoming tournament.

Connection Remains

Still, though, Bellingham was the story. The brilliance of Rashford’s assist for Kane’s header was partly forgotten due to the fuss of the Rogers substitution. At the end, the focus was on the midfielder. Tuchel came over behind him and pushed Bellingham towards the travelling England fans. Their connection is not damaged. Tuchel hasn't decided to give up on the player just yet. But if he is willing to give him the central position is not guaranteed.