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If Jude Bellingham wants to force his way once again into England’s strongest team, he would be wise to cut out the unnecessary reactions. His response when he saw that his number was being shown after a match of mixed performance in the match against Albania was unacceptable.

"I’d rather not blow it out of proportion but I stand by my words 'behaviour is key' and consideration for the players who come in," Tuchel said. "Decisions are made and you must accept them when you're on the field."

The midfielder must understand. There was no call for a tantrum. The captain had only moments earlier made it the Three Lions two goals ahead in a meaningless fixture, the game had six minutes to go and Bellingham, following an inconsistent display, was just shown a yellow for bringing down the Albanian striker. This was hardly a questionable change. Indeed it would have been foolish for the manager to not substitute him given that it was possible he would be suspended of the first match of the World Cup by receiving a second yellow card.

Drawing Attention on Himself

Yet Bellingham drew all eyes toward himself. There was no disguising the young midfielder's annoyance upon understanding that he would be substituted for another player. He flung his arms in the air and although he shook Tuchel’s hand on his way to the sideline it was clear that the manager was not impressed.

Here lies the test for Bellingham. He congratulated Rashford for sending in the ball for Harry Kane to head in the team's second, but his other actions was self-defeating. It's not like protesting was going to alter the decision. The coach has repeatedly emphasized honoring the team structure and the importance of showing proper conduct.

Facing Examination

Bellingham, omitted from the team last month, is being watched carefully since coming back to the squad in the current camp. Practically his place has been in question and he hasn't helped his case with his response to being taken off as the side rounded off a perfect qualifying campaign by overcoming a tough opposition from the Albanian team.

The System and the Setup

This implies opinions are divided on how England perform optimally with Bellingham in the team. What we saw was not definitive. Tuchel tried new things by the coach in the beginning. He has given England a clear system lately, building with a No 6, a central midfielder, a No 10 and specialist wingers, but there was a different feel in this match. Quansah was given his first cap, Adam Wharton was in the starting lineup at this level and the use of Stones as a part-time midfielder gave a similar look to Manchester City’s historic treble-winning side.

A Game of Two Halves

Bellingham had ups and downs. He made a chance for Eberechi Eze after the break but at times seemed overly eager to shine. There were a lot of rushed, misplaced passes. There was a needless bit of aggro with an Albania midfielder at the beginning. England were ragged for much of the second half. One Albania chance came after Bellingham gave the ball away. His booking came after an opponent took the ball from Broja and brought down the former Chelsea striker.

Depth Makes the Difference

Ultimately the squad's strength proved crucial. The coach brought on the Manchester City player, who appeared better suited to the position in which Bellingham operated during the first half, and Saka. Eventually Saka whipped in a corner kick for Kane to break the deadlock. It was a reminder that dead-ball situations are going to be vital at the World Cup.

Bridge Still Stands

Nevertheless, the focus was on Bellingham. The quality of the winger's delivery for the second goal was partly forgotten due to the fuss of the substitution incident. When the match concluded, all eyes were on him. Tuchel came over behind him and guided the Real Madrid midfielder in the direction of the travelling England fans. Their relationship is not damaged. Tuchel is not willing to discard Bellingham yet. Yet whether he is willing to offer him a starring role is still uncertain.