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If Jude Bellingham hopes to earn his place back into England’s strongest team, the smart move to do away with the unnecessary reactions. His reaction upon realizing that the substitute board was being shown after a match of inconsistency in the match against Albania was unacceptable.

"I don’t want to blow it out of proportion but I stick to my words 'conduct is crucial' and consideration for the teammates who enter the game," commented the coach. "Decisions are made and you need to comply as a player."

The midfielder must understand. There was no call for an outburst. Harry Kane had only moments earlier made it the Three Lions leading by two in an inconsequential match, there were six minutes left and the player, who had not played particularly well, was just shown a yellow for a foul on Armando Broja. This could scarcely be called a debatable decision. In fact it might have been reckless for the manager to not substitute him given that it was possible he would be suspended of the first match of the tournament by receiving a another booking.

Turning the Spotlight to Himself

However, the player drew all eyes toward himself. No one could overlook the young midfielder's disappointment as he realized that he would be substituted for a teammate. His arms went up in exasperation and while he exchanged a handshake on his way to the touchline there was no doubt that the head coach was displeased.

This is the challenge that Bellingham must overcome. He congratulated his teammate for providing the assist for Harry Kane to head in his second goal, but everything else was harmful to his cause. It is not as if complaining was going to alter the decision. Tuchel has stressed repeatedly respecting team hierarchies and the necessity of behaving correctly.

Facing Examination

He, not included in the previous squad, is being watched carefully since coming back to the squad recently. In effect his place has been in question and his actions haven't benefited him with his response to coming off the pitch as England rounded off a perfect qualifying campaign by overcoming a spirited effort from Albania.

The Coach's Plan

As a result opinions are divided on how the team operate most effectively including Bellingham. The performance was not definitive. There was experimentation from Tuchel early on. He has provided the squad structure and clarity in recent months, using a holding player, a No 8, a playmaker and dedicated wide players, but it felt different in this match. The young defender was handed his international debut, the midfielder made his first start at this level and the positioning of John Stones as a part-time midfielder gave a faint echo to the Manchester club's historic treble-winning side.

Inconsistent Display

Bellingham had ups and downs. He created an opportunity for his teammate after the break but at times seemed trying too hard. Several poorly executed passes. An unnecessary confrontation with a rival player at the beginning. England's play was messy during most of the second period. One Albania chance came after Bellingham squandered possession. The yellow card was shown after he lost the ball from Broja and committed a foul on the attacker.

Squad Strength Shows

Finally the squad's strength made the difference. Tuchel threw on the Manchester City player, who appeared better suited to the role occupied by Bellingham earlier in the match, and Saka. In time Saka provided a corner for Harry Kane to break the deadlock. It highlighted that dead-ball situations are going to be vital next summer.

Bridge Still Stands

However, all talk was about Bellingham. The excellence of Rashford's cross for the second goal was somewhat overlooked amid the drama of the substitution incident. At the end, everyone was watching Bellingham. Tuchel came over behind him and guided Bellingham towards the English fans. Their relationship is not broken. Tuchel is not willing to abandon him at this stage. But if Tuchel is inclined to offer him centre stage is still uncertain.