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If Jude Bellingham hopes to force his way into the English strongest squad, it would be smart to eliminate the unnecessary reactions. His reaction upon realizing that he was about to come up following a night of mixed performance in Tirana was unacceptable.

"I prefer not to overstate it but I hold to my words 'attitude matters' and respect for the teammates who come in," commented the coach. "Substitutions happen and you have to accept it when you're on the field."

The midfielder must understand. There was no need for a tantrum. Kane had just put the national team two goals ahead in a dead rubber fixture, there were six minutes left and the player, who had not played particularly well, received a caution for fouling Armando Broja. This was hardly a debatable decision. Actually it would have been foolish for the head coach to keep Bellingham on the pitch because there was a risk the midfielder would be suspended of the first match of the tournament by picking up a second yellow card.

Shifting Focus on Himself

However, the player turned the spotlight on himself. No one could overlook the 22-year-old’s disappointment upon understanding that he would be substituted for Morgan Rogers. He threw his arms up and while he shook Tuchel’s hand while heading to the bench there was no doubt that the head coach was displeased.

This represents the hurdle facing Bellingham. He praised Marcus Rashford for sending in the ball for Harry Kane to nod home the team's second, but the rest was harmful to his cause. It's not like complaining was going to change Tuchel’s mind. The coach has repeatedly emphasized following squad protocols and the importance of showing proper conduct.

Under Scrutiny

He, omitted from the team last month, has faced close inspection upon his return to the squad recently. In effect his place has been in question and his actions haven't benefited him with his response to coming off the pitch as England completed a ideal group stage by seeing off a spirited effort from the Albanian team.

Tactics and Formation

This implies the jury is out on if the team function at their best including Bellingham. The performance was not definitive. There was experimentation by the coach in the beginning. He has provided the squad a clear system in recent months, using a defensive midfielder, a box-to-box player, a No 10 and out-and-out wingers, but the approach changed versus Albania. Jarell Quansah was handed his international debut, the midfielder started for the first time for England and the role of John Stones as an auxiliary midfielder gave a passing resemblance to Manchester City’s historic treble-winning side.

Inconsistent Display

Bellingham had ups and downs. He made a chance for Eberechi Eze after the break but frequently appeared too desperate to impress. Several poorly executed passes. An unnecessary confrontation with an Albania midfielder at the beginning. England were ragged during most of the second period. A scoring chance for the opponents followed he lost the ball cheaply. His booking was shown after he lost the ball to Broja and committed a foul on the attacker.

Depth Makes the Difference

Ultimately the squad's strength proved crucial. Tuchel threw on Foden, who looked better suited to the role that Bellingham had played during the first half, and Saka. Later Saka whipped in a corner kick for Harry Kane to score the first goal. It was a reminder that set pieces will play a key role next summer.

Connection Remains

Still, though, all talk was about Bellingham. The quality of Rashford’s assist for Kane’s header was somewhat overlooked in the ridiculousness of the player change. After the final whistle, everyone was watching Bellingham. Tuchel walked up from behind and pushed the Real Madrid midfielder in the direction of the travelling England fans. Their relationship remains intact. The coach isn't ready to give up on the player just yet. But if the coach is prepared to give him the central position is not guaranteed.