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If Jude Bellingham aims to force his way once again into the English strongest squad, he would be wise to cut out the dramatics. His response upon realizing that his number was going up after a match of inconsistency in Tirana was unacceptable.

"I prefer not to overstate it but I stick to my words 'attitude matters' and respect towards the teammates who come in," Tuchel said. "Substitutions happen and you have to accept it as a player."

The midfielder must understand. It was unnecessary for an outburst. Kane had just put the Three Lions 2-0 up in a meaningless match, with only six minutes remaining and Bellingham, following an inconsistent display, had just been booked for a foul on an opponent. It was not a controversial substitution. In fact it would have been unwise for the manager to not substitute him given that there was a chance he would rule himself out of the opening game of the competition by receiving a second yellow card.

Turning the Spotlight to Himself

However, the player turned the spotlight on himself. There was no disguising the young midfielder's disappointment when he clocked that he was going to make way for another player. He flung his arms in the air and although he accepted the coach's hand after making his way to the bench it was clear that Tuchel was not impressed.

This is the challenge that Bellingham must overcome. He praised Marcus Rashford for providing the assist for the captain to score his second of the night, but his other actions was counterproductive. There was no chance arguing was going to reverse the substitution. The coach has repeatedly emphasized honoring the team structure and the necessity of behaving correctly.

In the Spotlight

The midfielder, not included in last month’s squad, is being watched carefully after returning to the team recently. In effect he was being assessed and he hasn't helped his case with his response to being taken off as the national team wrapped up a flawless qualification run by defeating a feisty challenge from their opponents.

The System and the Setup

It means the jury is out on whether England operate most effectively including Bellingham. What we saw was inconclusive. Some new ideas were tested by the coach at the start. He has given the team structure and clarity lately, building with a defensive midfielder, a box-to-box player, a playmaker and specialist wingers, but the approach changed versus Albania. Quansah was handed his international debut, Adam Wharton made his first start for England and the role of Stones as an auxiliary midfielder gave a passing resemblance to the Manchester club's 2023 treble winners.

Inconsistent Display

Bellingham had ups and downs. He created an opportunity for his teammate in the latter period but often looked overly eager to shine. Several poorly executed passes. An unnecessary confrontation with an Albania midfielder at the beginning. The team looked disjointed during most of the second period. An opportunity for Albania followed Bellingham gave the ball away. His booking came after an opponent took the ball from Broja and brought down the attacker.

Squad Strength Shows

In the end England’s depth made the difference. Tuchel introduced the Manchester City player, who looked better suited to the position in which Bellingham operated in the opening period, and Saka. In time Saka provided a set-piece for Kane to score the first goal. It highlighted that corners and free-kicks are going to be vital in the upcoming tournament.

Bridge Still Stands

However, Bellingham was the story. The quality of Rashford's cross for Kane’s header was somewhat overlooked in the ridiculousness of the Rogers substitution. At the end, the focus was on Bellingham. The coach approached from behind and directed the player in the direction of the travelling England fans. The bond between them is not damaged. Tuchel hasn't decided to give up on Bellingham yet. Yet whether the coach is prepared to grant him the central position remains in doubt.