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If Jude Bellingham hopes to force his way back into the English best team, it would be smart to do away with the unnecessary reactions. His reaction after noticing that his number was about to come up after a match of mixed performance in the match against Albania was unacceptable.

"I’d rather not overstate it but I stick to my words 'conduct is crucial' and respect towards the squad members who enter the game," stated Tuchel. "Substitutions happen and you must accept them as a player."

There is a lesson for Bellingham. It was unnecessary for a tantrum. Harry Kane had only moments earlier made it the Three Lions leading by two in a meaningless fixture, with only six minutes remaining and he, after a below-par performance, was just shown a yellow for a foul on Armando Broja. This was hardly a questionable change. In fact it might have been reckless for the manager to leave Bellingham on considering there was a risk the midfielder would rule himself out of the opening game of the tournament by receiving a another booking.

Drawing Attention Upon Himself

Yet Bellingham drew all eyes toward himself. There was no disguising the player's annoyance as he realized that his replacement was ready for another player. He flung his arms in the air and even though he accepted the coach's hand while heading to the touchline there was no doubt that Tuchel did not appreciate it.

Here lies the test facing Bellingham. He applauded Marcus Rashford for providing the assist for Harry Kane to score his second goal, but everything else was counterproductive. It is not as if arguing was going to alter the decision. The coach has repeatedly emphasized following squad protocols and the importance of showing proper conduct.

Facing Examination

The midfielder, left out of last month’s squad, has been under scrutiny upon his return to the fold in the current camp. 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 completed a flawless qualification run by seeing off a tough opposition from the Albanian team.

Tactics and Formation

This implies the jury is out on if the squad perform optimally with Bellingham in the team. The evidence here was open to interpretation. Tuchel tried new things by the coach at the start. He has provided England structure and clarity lately, building with a No 6, a No 8, an attacking midfielder and out-and-out wingers, but there was a different feel against Albania. Jarell Quansah was made his England debut, Adam Wharton made his first start at this level and the use of John Stones as an auxiliary midfielder meant there was passing resemblance to City's team that won three trophies.

Inconsistent Display

His performance was inconsistent. He set up a shot for his teammate during the second half but at times seemed trying too hard. He made many hurried and errant passes. A pointless clash with an Albania midfielder in the early stages. England's play was messy for much of the second half. One Albania chance resulted from he lost the ball cheaply. His booking occurred when he lost the ball from Broja and brought down the former Chelsea striker.

Depth Makes the Difference

Ultimately England’s depth was decisive. The coach brought on Foden, who seemed better suited to the spot in which Bellingham operated in the opening period, and Bukayo Saka. Later Saka provided a corner kick for the captain to score the first goal. It was a reminder that dead-ball situations are going to be vital at the World Cup.

Relationship Not Broken

Still, though, all talk was about Bellingham. The excellence of Rashford's cross for Kane's goal was a little lost due to the fuss of the substitution incident. At the end, everyone was watching Bellingham. Tuchel walked up from behind and pushed the player towards the away supporters. Their relationship remains intact. The coach isn't ready to abandon him at this stage. However, whether he is willing to give him centre stage is not guaranteed.