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If Jude Bellingham aims to fight his way back into the English best team, it would be smart to eliminate the nonsense. His response after noticing that his number was being shown after an evening of inconsistency in the match against Albania was not good enough.

"I prefer not to overstate it but I stick to my words 'behaviour is key' and respect towards the teammates who substitute on," commented the coach. "Substitutions happen and you have to accept it when you're on the field."

The midfielder must understand. It was unnecessary for a tantrum. Harry Kane had just put England two goals ahead in a dead rubber match, with only six minutes remaining and the player, after a below-par performance, received a caution for a foul on Armando Broja. It was not a debatable decision. Actually it would have been foolish for the head coach to not substitute him considering it was possible he would be suspended of the first match of the tournament by receiving a second caution.

Drawing Attention Upon Himself

However, the player drew all eyes toward himself. It was impossible to miss the player's disappointment upon understanding that his replacement was ready for Morgan Rogers. He flung his arms in the air and while he exchanged a handshake while heading to the sideline it was clear that Tuchel was not impressed.

This represents the hurdle for Bellingham. He applauded Rashford for delivering the cross for Harry Kane to score the team's second, but his other actions was harmful to his cause. It's not like arguing was going to change Tuchel’s mind. The German has stressed repeatedly respecting team hierarchies and the necessity of showing proper conduct.

In the Spotlight

The midfielder, left out of the previous squad, is being watched carefully since coming back to the fold in the current camp. Essentially he has been on trial and his actions haven't benefited him with his response to being taken off as the national team wrapped up a ideal group stage by overcoming a spirited effort from the Albanian team.

The System and the Setup

This implies the jury is out on if the squad function at their best including Bellingham. The performance was open to interpretation. Tuchel tried new things from the manager in the beginning. He has given the team a clear system in recent months, building with a holding player, a No 8, a No 10 and out-and-out wingers, but there was a different feel against Albania. The young defender was made his England debut, the midfielder started for the first time internationally and the use of Stones as a part-time midfielder gave a faint echo to the Manchester club's historic treble-winning side.

A Game of Two Halves

Bellingham was a mixed bag. He made a chance for Eze in the latter period but frequently appeared overly eager to shine. He made many hurried and errant passes. There was a needless bit of aggro with an Albania midfielder in the early stages. England's play was messy for much of the second half. A scoring chance for the opponents came after Bellingham squandered possession. His booking was shown after he was dispossessed from Broja and committed a foul on Broja.

Substitutes Decide

Finally the squad's strength proved crucial. The coach brought on Phil Foden, who seemed more naturally fitted to the spot that Bellingham had played earlier in the match, and the Arsenal winger. In time Saka whipped in a corner kick for Kane to score the first goal. This served as a reminder that corners and free-kicks will be crucial next summer.

Relationship Not Broken

However, Bellingham was the story. The quality of Rashford’s assist for the second goal was somewhat overlooked in the ridiculousness of the player change. At the end, all eyes were on him. Tuchel walked up from behind and pushed Bellingham towards the travelling England fans. Their relationship remains intact. Tuchel hasn't decided to discard Bellingham yet. Yet whether the coach is prepared to grant him centre stage is still uncertain.