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If Jude Bellingham hopes to force his way into the English strongest starting eleven, he would be wise to do away with the unnecessary reactions. His reaction upon realizing that his number was about to come up following a night of inconsistency in Tirana fell short of expectations.

"I don’t want to overstate it but I hold to my words 'behaviour is key' and respect towards the squad members who come in," commented the coach. "Choices are taken and you must accept them when you're on the field."

There is a lesson for Bellingham. There was no need for a strop. Harry Kane had just put England leading by two in an inconsequential qualifier, there were six minutes left and Bellingham, following an inconsistent display, received a caution for fouling Armando Broja. This could scarcely be called a controversial substitution. In fact it might have been reckless for the head coach to leave Bellingham on considering there was a chance he would be suspended of the initial fixture of the World Cup by picking up a second caution.

Turning the Spotlight to Himself

But Bellingham turned the spotlight on himself. There was no disguising the player's frustration upon understanding that his replacement was ready for Morgan Rogers. He threw his arms up and although he accepted the coach's hand on his way to the bench there was no doubt that the head coach was displeased.

This is the challenge for Bellingham. He congratulated Rashford for sending in the ball for Kane to score his second goal, but the rest was harmful to his cause. It is not as if arguing was going to change Tuchel’s mind. The coach has stressed repeatedly honoring the team structure and the value of showing proper conduct.

In the Spotlight

Bellingham, omitted from the team last month, is being watched carefully since coming back to the team this month. Essentially he has been on trial and he hasn't helped his case by reacting to coming off the pitch as the side rounded off a ideal group stage by overcoming a feisty challenge from the Albanian team.

Tactics and Formation

As a result the jury is out on if the squad perform optimally with Bellingham in the team. The evidence here was inconclusive. Some new ideas were tested by the coach at the start. He has provided the squad structure and clarity lately, employing a holding player, a No 8, an attacking midfielder and dedicated wide players, but there was a different feel versus Albania. Jarell Quansah was made his England debut, Adam Wharton started for the first time internationally and the role of Stones as a part-time midfielder created a similar look to the Manchester club's team that won three trophies.

A Game of Two Halves

Bellingham had ups and downs. He made a chance for his teammate after the break but at times seemed too desperate to impress. He made many poorly executed passes. A pointless clash against an opponent early on. England were ragged during most of the second period. A scoring chance for the opponents came after Bellingham gave the ball away. The yellow card was shown after he was dispossessed from Broja and committed a foul on the attacker.

Substitutes Decide

In the end the bench quality was decisive. The coach brought on the Manchester City player, who appeared more comfortable to the role that Bellingham had played earlier in the match, and Bukayo Saka. Later Saka provided a corner for Kane to score the first goal. It was a reminder that dead-ball situations will be crucial in the upcoming tournament.

Bridge Still Stands

Nevertheless, the focus was on Bellingham. The brilliance of the winger's delivery for Kane's goal was a little lost in the ridiculousness of the substitution incident. After the final whistle, everyone was watching Bellingham. Tuchel walked up to his side and pushed Bellingham in the direction of the travelling England fans. Their relationship is not broken. The coach isn't ready to abandon Bellingham yet. Yet whether Tuchel is inclined to offer him the central position remains in doubt.