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If Jude Bellingham wants to force his way back into the English best starting eleven, it would be smart to do away with the dramatics. The way he reacted upon realizing that his number was going up after an evening of mixed performance in Tirana was unacceptable.

"I prefer not to overstate it but I stand by my words 'behaviour is key' and respect towards the squad members who enter the game," Tuchel said. "Substitutions happen and you have to accept it when you're on the field."

The midfielder must understand. It was unnecessary for a tantrum. The captain had just put the national team leading by two in a meaningless qualifier, there were six minutes left and he, after a below-par performance, was just shown a yellow for bringing down Armando Broja. It was not a controversial substitution. Indeed it would have been foolish for the manager to keep Bellingham on the pitch considering there was a risk he would be suspended of the first match of the tournament by getting a second caution.

Turning the Spotlight on Himself

Yet Bellingham turned the spotlight on himself. It was impossible to miss the young midfielder's disappointment as he realized that he would be substituted for another player. He threw his arms up and even though he accepted the coach's hand while heading to the sideline it was obvious that Tuchel did not appreciate it.

Here lies the test that Bellingham must overcome. He praised Rashford for sending in the ball for Harry Kane to head in the team's second, but everything else was counterproductive. It is not as if arguing was going to alter the decision. Tuchel has repeatedly emphasized honoring the team structure and the necessity of acting professionally.

In the Spotlight

Bellingham, omitted from the team last month, has faced close inspection since coming back to the squad in the current camp. Practically he was being assessed and he has not done himself any favours with his response to coming off the pitch as the side wrapped up a flawless qualification run by defeating a tough opposition from their opponents.

Tactics and Formation

This implies it's unclear on whether the team operate most effectively with Bellingham in the team. The evidence here was inconclusive. Tuchel tried new things by the coach at the start. He has provided England structure and clarity lately, building with a defensive midfielder, a box-to-box player, a playmaker and out-and-out wingers, but the approach changed versus Albania. Quansah was made his England debut, Wharton made his first start for England and the role of the defender as a makeshift midfielder gave a passing resemblance to City's historic treble-winning side.

Inconsistent Display

Bellingham was a mixed bag. He made a chance for Eze after the break but frequently appeared trying too hard. Several rushed, misplaced passes. A pointless clash against an opponent in the early stages. England's play was messy for much of the second half. A scoring chance for the opponents resulted from he lost the ball cheaply. His booking occurred when an opponent took the ball to Broja and brought down Broja.

Substitutes Decide

Ultimately the squad's strength made the difference. Tuchel introduced Foden, who seemed better suited to the role in which Bellingham operated in the opening period, and Saka. Eventually Saka provided a set-piece for Harry Kane to open the scoring. This served as a reminder that dead-ball situations will play a key role at the World Cup.

Connection Remains

Still, though, the focus was on Bellingham. The quality of Rashford's cross for Kane's goal was somewhat overlooked amid the drama of the substitution incident. When the match concluded, the focus was on him. Tuchel came over behind him and pushed the player to acknowledge the English fans. Their relationship is not broken. Tuchel is not willing to abandon him at this stage. However, whether the coach is prepared to grant him a starring role remains in doubt.