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If Jude Bellingham aims to force his way back into the English top squad, he would be wise to eliminate the unnecessary reactions. The way he reacted after noticing that his number was being shown after a match of uneven play in Tirana fell short of expectations.

"I’d rather not blow it out of proportion but I hold to my words 'conduct is crucial' and respect towards the squad members who substitute on," commented the coach. "Substitutions happen and you need to comply being a professional."

There is a lesson for Bellingham. It was unnecessary for an outburst. The captain had just put the Three Lions two goals ahead in an inconsequential fixture, with only six minutes remaining and the player, who had not played particularly well, had just been booked for fouling the Albanian striker. It was not a questionable change. In fact it would have been unwise for the manager to leave Bellingham on given that it was possible the midfielder would rule himself out of the first match of the World Cup by receiving a another booking.

Turning the Spotlight on Himself

But Bellingham drew all eyes toward himself. There was no disguising the 22-year-old’s disappointment as he realized that his replacement was ready for another player. His arms went up in exasperation and while he accepted the coach's hand after making his way to the bench it was obvious that the manager did not appreciate it.

Here lies the test for Bellingham. He applauded Marcus Rashford for delivering the cross for Kane to score his second of the night, but everything else was counterproductive. It's not like arguing was going to alter the decision. Tuchel has talked so much about following squad protocols and the value of behaving correctly.

In the Spotlight

The midfielder, not included in last month’s squad, has faced close inspection since coming back to the squad this month. In effect he has been on trial and he has not done himself any favours with his response to being taken off as England completed a perfect qualifying campaign by defeating a spirited effort from the Albanian team.

Tactics and Formation

It means the jury is out on if the squad function at their best when Bellingham plays. The performance was inconclusive. Tuchel tried new things from the manager at the start. He has provided the squad organization and direction lately, using a No 6, a central midfielder, a playmaker and specialist wingers, but the approach changed versus Albania. Jarell Quansah was made his England debut, the midfielder started for the first time at this level and the role of Stones as a makeshift midfielder created a passing resemblance to the Manchester club's 2023 treble winners.

Inconsistent Display

Bellingham was a mixed bag. He created an opportunity for Eberechi Eze during the second half but often looked trying too hard. Several hurried and errant passes. An unnecessary confrontation with an Albania midfielder in the early stages. England's play was messy for much of the second half. An opportunity for Albania followed he lost the ball cheaply. His caution occurred when he was dispossessed from Broja and fouled Broja.

Depth Makes the Difference

Ultimately the squad's strength proved crucial. Tuchel introduced Phil Foden, who looked more naturally fitted to the position occupied by Bellingham during the first half, and Bukayo Saka. In time Saka delivered a corner kick for the captain to score the first goal. It highlighted that dead-ball situations will play a key role in the upcoming tournament.

Bridge Still Stands

Still, though, Bellingham was the story. The quality of Rashford's cross for the second goal was a little lost due to the fuss of the substitution incident. After the final whistle, all eyes were on the midfielder. The coach approached to his side and pushed the player in the direction of the English fans. Their connection is not damaged. Tuchel is not willing to abandon him at this stage. However, whether Tuchel is inclined to give him a starring role is still uncertain.