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If Jude Bellingham aims to fight his way into England’s best squad, it would be smart to do away with the nonsense. His response upon realizing that his number was going up after an evening of mixed performance in Tirana was unacceptable.

"I don’t want to blow it out of proportion but I hold to my words 'behaviour is key' and respect for the teammates who come in," stated Tuchel. "Decisions are made and you have to accept it being a professional."

There is a lesson for Bellingham. It was unnecessary for an outburst. The captain had only moments earlier made it the Three Lions 2-0 up in a meaningless match, with only six minutes remaining and he, following an inconsistent display, was just shown a yellow for a foul on Armando Broja. It was not a controversial substitution. Actually it would have been foolish for the head coach to leave Bellingham on because there was a risk the midfielder would make himself ineligible of the opening game of the tournament by picking up a second caution.

Drawing Attention Upon Himself

However, the player turned the spotlight on himself. There was no disguising the 22-year-old’s frustration upon understanding that his replacement was ready for another player. He threw his arms up and while he accepted the coach's hand after making his way to the sideline it was obvious that the head coach was displeased.

Here lies the test facing Bellingham. He applauded his teammate for sending in the ball for Kane to nod home his second goal, but everything else was self-defeating. There was no chance arguing was going to change Tuchel’s mind. The coach has repeatedly emphasized following squad protocols and the value of showing proper conduct.

Facing Examination

He, omitted from last month’s squad, has been under scrutiny since coming back to the fold recently. Essentially he was being assessed and he hasn't helped his case through his behavior to being taken off as England completed a perfect qualifying campaign by overcoming a tough opposition from Albania.

The System and the Setup

It means opinions are divided on how the squad operate most effectively when Bellingham plays. The performance was not definitive. Tuchel tried new things from Tuchel early on. He has provided England a clear system over the past few matches, using a No 6, a central midfielder, a playmaker and out-and-out wingers, but there was a different feel against Albania. Jarell Quansah was given his first cap, Adam Wharton started for the first time at this level and the role of the defender as an auxiliary midfielder meant there was passing resemblance to City's historic treble-winning side.

Inconsistent Display

Bellingham was a mixed bag. He made a chance for Eze in the latter period but at times seemed overly eager to shine. He made many poorly executed passes. There was a needless bit of aggro against an opponent at the beginning. The team looked disjointed during most of the second period. One Albania chance resulted from Bellingham gave the ball away. The yellow card occurred when he lost the ball to Broja and brought down the attacker.

Squad Strength Shows

In the end England’s depth was decisive. Tuchel threw on Phil Foden, who looked more naturally fitted to the position occupied by Bellingham earlier in the match, and Bukayo Saka. In time Saka provided a corner for Kane to open the scoring. It was a reminder that dead-ball situations are going to be vital at the World Cup.

Bridge Still Stands

Nevertheless, Bellingham was the story. 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, the focus was on Bellingham. Tuchel came over from behind and pushed the Real Madrid midfielder in the direction of the English fans. Their relationship is not damaged. The coach isn't ready to give up on Bellingham yet. But if the coach is prepared to offer him centre stage remains in doubt.