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If Jude Bellingham aims to fight his way into the English strongest squad, the smart move to cut out the nonsense. His reaction after noticing that he was going up after a match of inconsistency in Tirana fell short of expectations.

"I’d rather not make more out of it but I stick to my words 'conduct is crucial' and consideration for the squad members who substitute on," Tuchel said. "Substitutions happen and you have to accept it being a professional."

There is a lesson for Bellingham. There was no call for a tantrum. Kane had recently scored to make the national team leading by two in a dead rubber fixture, the game had six minutes to go and Bellingham, following an inconsistent display, received a caution for fouling Armando Broja. It was not a debatable decision. In fact it would have been foolish for the head coach to not substitute him given that there was a risk Bellingham would make himself ineligible of the opening game of the tournament by getting a second yellow card.

Drawing Attention Upon Himself

However, the player drew all eyes toward himself. No one could overlook the player's disappointment as he realized that his replacement was ready for another player. He threw his arms up and while he exchanged a handshake after making his way to the sideline there was no doubt that the manager was displeased.

This represents the hurdle for Bellingham. He applauded his teammate for delivering the cross for Harry Kane to head in the team's second, but the rest was harmful to his cause. It's not like arguing was going to alter the decision. The coach has repeatedly emphasized honoring the team structure and the necessity of behaving correctly.

Facing Examination

He, left out of the previous squad, has faced close inspection after returning to the team in the current camp. Practically his place has been in question and he hasn't helped his case by reacting to coming off the pitch as England wrapped up a perfect qualifying campaign by defeating a feisty challenge from Albania.

The Coach's Plan

This implies the jury is out on if the squad perform optimally with Bellingham in the team. The evidence here was not definitive. Tuchel tried new things from Tuchel at the start. He has provided the team structure and clarity over the past few matches, employing a No 6, a box-to-box player, an attacking midfielder and out-and-out wingers, but the approach changed in this match. Jarell Quansah was made his England debut, Adam Wharton started for the first time at this level and the role of the defender as an auxiliary midfielder meant there was faint echo to the Manchester club's historic treble-winning side.

Mixed Performance

His performance was inconsistent. He made a chance for Eze in the latter period but frequently appeared overly eager to shine. Several poorly executed passes. An unnecessary confrontation against an opponent in the early stages. England's play was messy during most of the second period. One Albania chance came after Bellingham gave the ball away. His caution occurred when he lost the ball to Broja and fouled the former Chelsea striker.

Depth Makes the Difference

In the end England’s depth was decisive. The coach brought on Phil Foden, who looked better suited to the spot in which Bellingham operated in the opening period, and the Arsenal winger. Eventually Saka provided a corner kick for Harry Kane to break the deadlock. It was a reminder that dead-ball situations will be crucial next summer.

Connection Remains

However, all talk was about Bellingham. The brilliance of Rashford’s assist for Kane's goal was partly forgotten due to the fuss of the player change. When the match concluded, all eyes were on Bellingham. Tuchel came over to his side and directed Bellingham in the direction of the travelling England fans. The bond between them remains intact. Tuchel is not willing to abandon the player just yet. Yet whether he is willing to offer him the central position is still uncertain.