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If Jude Bellingham hopes to force his way back into the English strongest team, the smart move to eliminate the unnecessary reactions. His reaction upon realizing that he was going up after a match of uneven play in Tirana was unacceptable.

"I don’t want to make more out of it but I stand by my words 'behaviour is key' and respect for the teammates who enter the game," commented the coach. "Substitutions happen and you must accept them as a player."

There is a lesson for Bellingham. There was no call for a strop. Kane had recently scored to make the Three Lions leading by two in a dead rubber qualifier, the game had six minutes to go and he, following an inconsistent display, was just shown a yellow for a foul on the Albanian striker. This could scarcely be called a questionable change. Actually it would have been unwise for the head coach to not substitute him because there was a risk Bellingham would rule himself out of the opening game of the competition by getting a second yellow card.

Drawing Attention Upon Himself

However, the player made himself the center of attention. No one could overlook the 22-year-old’s annoyance as he realized that he would be substituted for a teammate. His arms went up in exasperation and although he accepted the coach's hand after making his way to the touchline it was obvious that the manager did not appreciate it.

This is the challenge facing Bellingham. He applauded Marcus Rashford for providing the assist for Harry Kane to score his second goal, but everything else was counterproductive. There was no chance complaining was going to change Tuchel’s mind. Tuchel has talked so much about respecting team hierarchies and the value of showing proper conduct.

Under Scrutiny

He, left out of last month’s squad, has faced close inspection since coming back to the fold recently. Essentially his place has been in question and his actions haven't benefited him through his behavior to his substitution as England rounded off a flawless qualification run by seeing off a feisty challenge from the Albanian team.

Tactics and Formation

It means the jury is out on how England operate most effectively when Bellingham plays. What we saw was inconclusive. There was experimentation from the manager at the start. He has provided England structure and clarity in recent months, building with a No 6, a No 8, a No 10 and out-and-out wingers, but there was a different feel in this match. Jarell Quansah was made his England debut, the midfielder was in the starting lineup at this level and the use of the defender as a makeshift midfielder meant there was faint echo to the Manchester club's team that won three trophies.

A Game of Two Halves

Bellingham was a mixed bag. He created an opportunity for Eberechi Eze after the break but frequently appeared trying too hard. He made many poorly executed passes. There was a needless bit of aggro with an Albania midfielder in the early stages. England were ragged after halftime. An opportunity for Albania came after he lost the ball cheaply. His booking came after he was dispossessed by Broja and fouled the attacker.

Substitutes Decide

In the end the squad's strength was decisive. The coach brought on Foden, who seemed more comfortable to the role in which Bellingham operated earlier in the match, and Saka. Eventually Saka whipped in a corner kick for Kane to break the deadlock. It highlighted that set pieces are going to be vital at the World Cup.

Bridge Still Stands

Still, though, the focus was on Bellingham. The quality of Rashford's cross for the second goal was partly forgotten in the ridiculousness of the player change. After the final whistle, the focus was on the midfielder. Tuchel came over to his side and pushed the Real Madrid midfielder in the direction of the English fans. Their relationship remains intact. Tuchel hasn't decided to give up on Bellingham yet. But if the coach is prepared to offer him a starring role is still uncertain.