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If Jude Bellingham aims to fight his way back into the English best squad, the smart move to do away with the unnecessary reactions. His reaction when he saw that the substitute board was being shown following a night of uneven play in the match against Albania was not good enough.

"I prefer not to make more out of it but I stick to my words 'attitude matters' and respect for the teammates who come in," Tuchel said. "Substitutions happen and you need to comply being a professional."

There is a lesson for Bellingham. There was no call for a strop. Harry Kane had just put the Three Lions leading by two in a dead rubber fixture, there were six minutes left and he, who had not played particularly well, had just been booked for fouling an opponent. It was not a debatable decision. In fact it would have been foolish for Tuchel to leave Bellingham on considering there was a risk the midfielder would make himself ineligible of the first match of the tournament by getting a another booking.

Drawing Attention on Himself

Yet Bellingham turned the spotlight on himself. No one could overlook the young midfielder's frustration as he realized that he was going to make way for another player. He threw his arms up and while he exchanged a handshake on his way to the sideline there was no doubt that Tuchel did not appreciate it.

This represents the hurdle that Bellingham must overcome. He praised Marcus Rashford for delivering the cross for Harry Kane to score his second of the night, but the rest was harmful to his cause. There was no chance arguing was going to change Tuchel’s mind. Tuchel has talked so much about honoring the team structure and the value of showing proper conduct.

Under Scrutiny

The midfielder, omitted from the team last month, is being watched carefully after returning to the squad in the current camp. Essentially his place has been in question and his actions haven't benefited him with his response to his substitution as the side rounded off a perfect qualifying campaign by overcoming a spirited effort from Albania.

The Coach's Plan

It means it's unclear on if the squad function at their best including Bellingham. The performance was open to interpretation. There was experimentation from Tuchel in the beginning. He has provided England organization and direction lately, employing a holding player, a box-to-box player, a playmaker and specialist wingers, but it felt different in this match. The young defender was given his first cap, the midfielder made his first start internationally and the positioning of John Stones as a makeshift midfielder meant there was faint echo to Manchester City’s historic treble-winning side.

Mixed Performance

His performance was inconsistent. He set up a shot for Eze after the break but at times seemed too desperate to impress. Several rushed, misplaced passes. An unnecessary confrontation against an opponent in the early stages. England were ragged for much of the second half. One Albania chance followed he lost the ball cheaply. The yellow card occurred when an opponent took the ball to Broja and committed a foul on the former Chelsea striker.

Squad Strength Shows

Ultimately the bench quality was decisive. The coach brought on the Manchester City player, who appeared more naturally fitted to the role that Bellingham had played earlier in the match, and Bukayo Saka. Later Saka delivered a corner for Harry Kane to score the first goal. This served as a reminder that corners and free-kicks are going to be vital at the World Cup.

Bridge Still Stands

However, the focus was on Bellingham. The quality of Rashford’s assist for Kane's goal was somewhat overlooked due to the fuss of the player change. After the final whistle, the focus was on him. Tuchel walked up to his side and directed Bellingham towards the away supporters. The bond between them remains intact. The coach isn't ready to give up on the player just yet. But if he is willing to offer him the central position is still uncertain.