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If Jude Bellingham wants to earn his place into England’s top team, it would be smart to cut out the unnecessary reactions. His response when he saw that the substitute board was being shown after an evening of mixed performance in Tirana was unacceptable.

"I prefer not to make more out of it but I stick to my words 'attitude matters' and consideration for the teammates who enter the game," Tuchel said. "Choices are taken and you need to comply being a professional."

The midfielder must understand. It was unnecessary for a strop. The captain had only moments earlier made it the national team 2-0 up in a meaningless fixture, there were six minutes left and he, who had not played particularly well, received a caution for a foul on the Albanian striker. It was not a controversial substitution. In fact it would have been foolish for the head coach to keep Bellingham on the pitch given that there was a risk the midfielder would rule himself out of the initial fixture of the competition by getting a another booking.

Drawing Attention on Himself

However, the player drew all eyes toward himself. There was no disguising the 22-year-old’s disappointment when he clocked that his replacement was ready for another player. He threw his arms up and although he shook Tuchel’s hand after making his way to the touchline it was clear that the manager did not appreciate it.

Here lies the test facing Bellingham. He applauded Marcus Rashford for delivering the cross for Harry Kane to head in his second of the night, but the rest was harmful to his cause. It's not like arguing was going to alter the decision. The German has repeatedly emphasized respecting team hierarchies and the importance of showing proper conduct.

Under Scrutiny

He, omitted from the team last month, has faced close inspection upon his return to the squad this month. In effect he was being assessed and he hasn't helped his case by reacting to coming off the pitch as the national team wrapped up a ideal group stage by seeing off a spirited effort from their opponents.

Tactics and Formation

This implies it's unclear on if the squad function at their best with Bellingham in the team. The evidence here was open to interpretation. Some new ideas were tested from Tuchel at the start. Under him, England have gained the squad a clear system over the past few matches, building with a defensive midfielder, a box-to-box player, a playmaker and specialist wingers, but it felt different against Albania. Quansah was given his first cap, Wharton started for the first time internationally and the role of John Stones as a makeshift midfielder gave a faint echo to City's historic treble-winning side.

Mixed Performance

Bellingham had ups and downs. He set up a shot for Eberechi Eze after the break but frequently appeared trying too hard. He made many hurried and errant passes. An unnecessary confrontation with an Albania midfielder in the early stages. England were ragged for much of the second half. An opportunity for Albania came after Bellingham squandered possession. His booking occurred when he was dispossessed by Broja and committed a foul on the former Chelsea striker.

Substitutes Decide

In the end England’s depth proved crucial. Tuchel threw on Phil Foden, who appeared better suited to the role that Bellingham had played in the opening period, and the Arsenal winger. Later Saka delivered a corner kick for Kane to break the deadlock. It highlighted that corners and free-kicks will play a key role in the upcoming tournament.

Connection Remains

Nevertheless, the focus was on Bellingham. The excellence of Rashford’s assist for Kane's goal was partly forgotten due to the fuss of the Rogers substitution. At the end, everyone was watching him. Tuchel came over behind him and pushed Bellingham to acknowledge the away supporters. Their connection is not damaged. Tuchel is not willing to abandon the player just yet. Yet whether he is willing to grant him centre stage remains in doubt.