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If Jude Bellingham wants to force his way back into the English top squad, the smart move to cut out the nonsense. The way he reacted upon realizing that his number was being shown after an evening of uneven play in Tirana was unacceptable.

"I don’t want to overstate it but I stick to my words 'conduct is crucial' and respect for the teammates who substitute on," commented the coach. "Substitutions happen and you must accept them being a professional."

There is a lesson for Bellingham. There was no need for an outburst. The captain had recently scored to make the national team two goals ahead in an inconsequential match, the game had six minutes to go and he, after a below-par performance, was just shown a yellow for fouling an opponent. This could scarcely be called a controversial substitution. In fact it would have been foolish for the head coach to not substitute him considering it was possible he would make himself ineligible of the initial fixture of the competition by receiving a second yellow card.

Turning the Spotlight on Himself

But Bellingham made himself the center of attention. No one could overlook the 22-year-old’s annoyance upon understanding that he was going to make way for a teammate. He flung his arms in the air and while he exchanged a handshake while heading to the sideline there was no doubt that Tuchel was not impressed.

This is the challenge for Bellingham. He applauded his teammate for providing the assist for Kane to head in his second goal, but the rest was self-defeating. It is not as if protesting was going to alter the decision. Tuchel has stressed repeatedly following squad protocols and the value of behaving correctly.

Facing Examination

He, not included in last month’s squad, is being watched carefully after returning to the fold in the current camp. Practically he has been on trial and he has not done himself any favours with his response to being taken off as the national team wrapped up a ideal group stage by seeing off a feisty challenge from Albania.

The System and the Setup

As a result it's unclear on whether the squad operate most effectively with Bellingham in the team. The performance was inconclusive. Tuchel tried new things by the coach early on. He has given the squad organization and direction over the past few matches, using a holding player, a No 8, an attacking midfielder and specialist wingers, but the approach changed versus Albania. Quansah was handed his international debut, Adam Wharton made his first start at this level and the role of Stones as an auxiliary midfielder meant there was similar look to Manchester City’s historic treble-winning side.

Inconsistent Display

Bellingham was a mixed bag. He created an opportunity for Eberechi Eze during the second half but frequently appeared too desperate to impress. He made many hurried and errant passes. There was a needless bit of aggro with an Albania midfielder at the beginning. England were ragged for much of the second half. An opportunity for Albania came after Bellingham squandered possession. His booking was shown after an opponent took the ball by Broja and fouled Broja.

Squad Strength Shows

Finally the squad's strength made the difference. The coach brought on Foden, who seemed better suited to the spot occupied by Bellingham during the first half, and Saka. Eventually Saka whipped in a corner kick for the captain to break the deadlock. It was a reminder that dead-ball situations are going to be vital next summer.

Bridge Still Stands

Still, though, all talk was about Bellingham. The excellence of Rashford's cross for Kane’s header was a little lost in the ridiculousness of the Rogers substitution. When the match concluded, the focus was on Bellingham. Tuchel came over behind him and pushed the Real Madrid midfielder to acknowledge the away supporters. Their connection remains intact. The coach isn't ready to abandon him at this stage. But if the coach is prepared to give him a starring role is not guaranteed.