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If Jude Bellingham aims to fight his way back into England’s strongest team, it would be smart to do away with the dramatics. His reaction when he saw that his number was being shown following a night of mixed performance in Tirana was unacceptable.

"I prefer not to make more out of it but I stand by my words 'attitude matters' and consideration for the players who enter the game," stated Tuchel. "Decisions are made and you have to accept it being a professional."

There is a lesson for Bellingham. It was unnecessary for an outburst. Kane had recently scored to make the Three Lions two goals ahead in a dead rubber match, the game had six minutes to go and he, who had not played particularly well, was just shown a yellow for bringing down the Albanian striker. This was hardly a debatable decision. Actually it would have been unwise for Tuchel to leave Bellingham on because it was possible Bellingham would be suspended of the first match of the competition by picking up a another booking.

Drawing Attention on Himself

But Bellingham drew all eyes toward himself. There was no disguising the player's disappointment as he realized that he would be substituted for another player. He flung his arms in the air and even though he accepted the coach's hand on his way to the touchline there was no doubt that Tuchel did not appreciate it.

This is the challenge facing Bellingham. He congratulated Marcus Rashford for providing the assist for Harry Kane to nod home his second of the night, but the rest was harmful to his cause. There was no chance complaining was going to alter the decision. Tuchel has talked so much about honoring the team structure and the necessity of showing proper conduct.

In the Spotlight

The midfielder, not included in the team last month, has faced close inspection after returning to the team this month. Essentially he was being assessed and he has not done himself any favours by reacting to being taken off as the side rounded off a ideal group stage by overcoming a spirited effort from their opponents.

The Coach's Plan

As a result opinions are divided on whether England operate most effectively when Bellingham plays. The evidence here was open to interpretation. There was experimentation from Tuchel early on. He has given England structure and clarity in recent months, employing a holding player, a central midfielder, a playmaker and dedicated wide players, but the approach changed against Albania. Jarell Quansah was handed his international debut, the midfielder made his first start internationally and the use of Stones as a makeshift midfielder gave a passing resemblance to City's historic treble-winning side.

Mixed Performance

His performance was inconsistent. He created an opportunity for Eze in the latter period but at times seemed too desperate to impress. He made many hurried and errant passes. A pointless clash against an opponent at the beginning. England's play was messy for much of the second half. An opportunity for Albania resulted from he lost the ball cheaply. The yellow card occurred when he was dispossessed from Broja and brought down Broja.

Squad Strength Shows

In the end the bench quality proved crucial. Tuchel threw on Phil Foden, who looked more naturally fitted to the role occupied by Bellingham in the opening period, and the Arsenal winger. In time Saka whipped in a corner kick for Harry Kane to break the deadlock. This served as a reminder that set pieces will play a key role next summer.

Relationship Not Broken

Nevertheless, the focus was on Bellingham. The excellence of Rashford's cross for the second goal was somewhat overlooked due to the fuss of the Rogers substitution. When the match concluded, the focus was on the midfielder. Tuchel walked up to his side and pushed the player to acknowledge the English fans. The bond between them is not broken. Tuchel is not willing to abandon him at this stage. However, whether Tuchel is inclined to grant him the central position remains in doubt.