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If Jude Bellingham wants to fight his way once again into the English top squad, the smart move to eliminate the dramatics. His reaction when he saw that his number was being shown after a match of mixed performance in Tirana was not good enough.

"I’d rather not make more out of it but I hold to my words 'behaviour is key' and respect towards the squad members who substitute on," Tuchel said. "Decisions are made and you have to accept it when you're on the field."

The midfielder must understand. There was no need for a tantrum. Harry Kane had just put the national team leading by two in a meaningless match, there were six minutes left and the player, who had not played particularly well, had just been booked for bringing down Armando Broja. It was not a controversial substitution. In fact it would have been unwise for Tuchel to keep Bellingham on the pitch given that it was possible Bellingham would make himself ineligible of the opening game of the World Cup by receiving a second caution.

Shifting Focus Upon Himself

But Bellingham turned the spotlight on himself. There was no disguising the young midfielder's disappointment as he realized that his replacement was ready for another player. He threw his arms up and while he shook Tuchel’s hand while heading to the touchline it was clear that the manager was not impressed.

This represents the hurdle that Bellingham must overcome. He praised his teammate for providing the assist for Harry Kane to nod home his second goal, but everything else was self-defeating. It is not as if arguing was going to reverse the substitution. The coach has talked so much about respecting team hierarchies and the value of showing proper conduct.

In the Spotlight

He, left out of the team last month, is being watched carefully after returning to the team in the current camp. Practically he has been on trial and he hasn't helped his case by reacting to being taken off as the side completed a perfect qualifying campaign by defeating a spirited effort from their opponents.

The Coach's Plan

This implies opinions are divided on how the squad function at their best when Bellingham plays. What we saw was open to interpretation. There was experimentation by the coach early on. Under him, England have gained England a clear system lately, using a defensive midfielder, a central midfielder, a No 10 and out-and-out wingers, but it felt different against Albania. The young defender was handed his international debut, Wharton made his first start at this level and the role of John Stones as an auxiliary midfielder meant there was passing resemblance to City's historic treble-winning side.

Mixed Performance

Bellingham had ups and downs. He made a chance for Eberechi Eze during the second half but at times seemed too desperate to impress. There were a lot of hurried and errant passes. There was a needless bit of aggro with a rival player at the beginning. England were ragged after halftime. An opportunity for Albania resulted from Bellingham squandered possession. His caution occurred when an opponent took the ball by Broja and brought down the attacker.

Substitutes Decide

Ultimately England’s depth proved crucial. Tuchel introduced Phil Foden, who seemed more comfortable to the role that Bellingham had played earlier in the match, and Saka. Later Saka delivered a set-piece for Kane to score the first goal. It highlighted that dead-ball situations will be crucial at the World Cup.

Bridge Still Stands

However, all talk was about Bellingham. The excellence of Rashford’s assist for the second goal was a little lost in the ridiculousness of the Rogers substitution. After the final whistle, all eyes were on Bellingham. Tuchel walked up behind him and directed the player to acknowledge the travelling England fans. The bond between them is not damaged. Tuchel is not willing to discard him at this stage. Yet whether he is willing to grant him a starring role remains in doubt.