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If Jude Bellingham wants to force his way into the English best starting eleven, it would be smart to do away with the unnecessary reactions. His reaction after noticing that the substitute board was going up after an evening of mixed performance in Tirana fell short of expectations.

"I’d rather not overstate it but I stick to my words 'behaviour is key' and respect for the players who enter the game," commented the coach. "Decisions are made and you need to comply being a professional."

There is a lesson for Bellingham. It was unnecessary for an outburst. The captain had only moments earlier made it the Three Lions 2-0 up in a meaningless fixture, the game had six minutes to go and he, after a below-par performance, had just been booked for a foul on Armando Broja. This was hardly a questionable change. In fact it would have been foolish for the head coach to not substitute him considering there was a chance the midfielder would be suspended of the first match of the tournament by receiving a second caution.

Turning the Spotlight Upon Himself

Yet Bellingham turned the spotlight on himself. It was impossible to miss the player's annoyance upon understanding that he was going to make way for another player. He flung his arms in the air and even though he accepted the coach's hand after making his way to the sideline there was no doubt that the head coach did not appreciate it.

Here lies the test facing Bellingham. He praised Rashford for sending in the ball for Kane to nod home his second of the night, but everything else was counterproductive. There was no chance complaining was going to change Tuchel’s mind. Tuchel has talked so much about honoring the team structure and the importance of showing proper conduct.

Facing Examination

The midfielder, left out of the previous squad, has faced close inspection since coming back to the squad in the current camp. In effect he was being assessed and he hasn't helped his case with his response to coming off the pitch as the side rounded off a flawless qualification run by overcoming a spirited effort from the Albanian team.

The System and the Setup

It means the jury is out on whether the team function at their best with Bellingham in the team. What we saw was not definitive. Tuchel tried new things from Tuchel early on. Under him, England have gained England organization and direction over the past few matches, employing a No 6, a No 8, a No 10 and specialist wingers, but the approach changed in this match. Quansah was handed his international debut, Wharton made his first start for England and the use of John Stones as an auxiliary midfielder created a similar look to Manchester City’s team that won three trophies.

Mixed Performance

His performance was inconsistent. He set up a shot for his teammate in the latter period but at times seemed trying too hard. There were a lot of hurried and errant passes. An unnecessary confrontation against an opponent at the beginning. England's play was messy after halftime. An opportunity for Albania followed Bellingham gave the ball away. His caution came after he lost the ball from Broja and fouled the attacker.

Substitutes Decide

Finally England’s depth proved crucial. Tuchel threw on Foden, who appeared better suited to the position occupied by Bellingham during the first half, and Saka. Later Saka delivered a corner kick for Harry Kane to open the scoring. It was a reminder that dead-ball situations are going to be vital at the World Cup.

Relationship Not Broken

Nevertheless, the focus was on Bellingham. The quality of Rashford’s assist for Kane's goal was a little lost in the ridiculousness of the Rogers substitution. After the final whistle, the focus was on the midfielder. Tuchel walked up to his side and directed the player towards the away supporters. Their relationship is not broken. Tuchel hasn't decided to discard Bellingham yet. Yet whether the coach is prepared to give him a starring role is not guaranteed.