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If Jude Bellingham aims to force his way once again into England’s best team, it would be smart to do away with the unnecessary reactions. The way he reacted after noticing that the substitute board was about to come up following a night of inconsistency in Tirana was unacceptable.

"I don’t want to make more out of it but I hold to my words 'behaviour is key' and respect towards the players who come in," commented the coach. "Decisions are made and you must accept them being a professional."

There is a lesson for Bellingham. There was no need for a tantrum. Harry Kane had recently scored to make the Three Lions 2-0 up in an inconsequential qualifier, the game had six minutes to go and he, after a below-par performance, received a caution for fouling Armando Broja. It was not a questionable change. Indeed it might have been reckless for Tuchel to not substitute him because there was a chance he would make himself ineligible of the opening game of the tournament by receiving a second yellow card.

Turning the Spotlight on Himself

However, the player turned the spotlight on himself. It was impossible to miss the 22-year-old’s annoyance upon understanding that he would be substituted for a teammate. He flung his arms in the air and even though he exchanged a handshake after making his way to the bench it was obvious that the manager was displeased.

This is the challenge that Bellingham must overcome. He applauded Rashford for sending in the ball for Harry Kane to score his second goal, but everything else was harmful to his cause. There was no chance complaining was going to alter the decision. The coach has stressed repeatedly respecting team hierarchies and the value of showing proper conduct.

Under Scrutiny

He, omitted from last month’s squad, has faced close inspection since coming back to the fold this month. Essentially he was being assessed and he has not done himself any favours through his behavior to his substitution as the side rounded off a perfect qualifying campaign by seeing off a spirited effort from their opponents.

The Coach's Plan

It means opinions are divided on whether England function at their best with Bellingham in the team. The performance was open to interpretation. Tuchel tried new things from Tuchel in the beginning. He has given England a clear system over the past few matches, using a holding player, a box-to-box player, a playmaker and out-and-out wingers, but the approach changed in this match. Jarell Quansah was made his England debut, Wharton made his first start for England and the positioning of Stones as a makeshift midfielder created a passing resemblance to Manchester City’s historic treble-winning side.

Mixed Performance

Bellingham was a mixed bag. He created an opportunity for his teammate during the second half but frequently appeared overly eager to shine. Several poorly executed passes. There was a needless bit of aggro with a rival player in the early stages. England's play was messy during most of the second period. An opportunity for Albania came after he lost the ball cheaply. The yellow card was shown after he was dispossessed from Broja and fouled Broja.

Depth Makes the Difference

In the end England’s depth proved crucial. The coach brought on Phil Foden, who looked more naturally fitted to the spot in which Bellingham operated during the first half, and Saka. Later Saka whipped in a set-piece for Harry Kane to open the scoring. It was a reminder that corners and free-kicks will play a key role in the upcoming tournament.

Bridge Still Stands

Still, though, Bellingham was the story. The excellence of Rashford's cross for Kane's goal was somewhat overlooked in the ridiculousness of the Rogers substitution. At the end, the focus was on him. The coach approached to his side and directed Bellingham in the direction of the travelling England fans. The bond between them remains intact. The coach isn't ready to give up on Bellingham yet. Yet whether Tuchel is inclined to give him a starring role is still uncertain.