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If Jude Bellingham wants to earn his place back into the English strongest team, it would be smart to eliminate the nonsense. His response after noticing that he was being shown after an evening of uneven play in Tirana fell short of expectations.

"I prefer not to overstate it but I stick to my words 'attitude matters' and respect towards the squad members who enter the game," stated Tuchel. "Choices are taken and you have to accept it as a player."

Bellingham has to learn. There was no need for a strop. Harry Kane had only moments earlier made it the Three Lions 2-0 up in an inconsequential fixture, there were six minutes left and Bellingham, who had not played particularly well, was just shown a yellow for fouling Armando Broja. This was hardly a controversial substitution. Actually it might have been reckless for the manager to leave Bellingham on given that it was possible the midfielder would make himself ineligible of the opening game of the tournament by picking up a second caution.

Drawing Attention on Himself

But Bellingham made himself the center of attention. No one could overlook the 22-year-old’s disappointment when he clocked that his replacement was ready for a teammate. He threw his arms up and while he shook Tuchel’s hand on his way to the sideline there was no doubt that the head coach did not appreciate it.

This is the challenge that Bellingham must overcome. He praised Marcus Rashford for providing the assist for Kane to head in his second of the night, but his other actions was counterproductive. It is not as if arguing was going to reverse the substitution. Tuchel has stressed repeatedly honoring the team structure and the necessity of acting professionally.

Facing Examination

The midfielder, omitted from the team last month, has been under scrutiny since coming back to the squad this month. Essentially he has been on trial and he has not done himself any favours by reacting to being taken off as the national team rounded off a perfect qualifying campaign by overcoming a tough opposition from the Albanian team.

Tactics and Formation

This implies it's unclear on whether England operate most effectively with Bellingham in the team. The performance was open to interpretation. Tuchel tried new things from Tuchel at the start. He has given the team organization and direction lately, building with a holding player, a No 8, an attacking midfielder and specialist wingers, but the approach changed versus Albania. The young defender was handed his international debut, the midfielder started for the first time internationally and the role of the defender as a makeshift midfielder gave a similar look to City's historic treble-winning side.

A Game of Two Halves

His performance was inconsistent. He created an opportunity for his teammate during the second half but often looked overly eager to shine. Several hurried and errant passes. An unnecessary confrontation against an opponent in the early stages. England's play was messy after halftime. One Albania chance followed he lost the ball cheaply. His caution occurred when he lost the ball by Broja and fouled Broja.

Depth Makes the Difference

In the end the squad's strength was decisive. The coach brought on Foden, who appeared more comfortable to the spot in which Bellingham operated in the opening period, and Bukayo Saka. Later Saka whipped in a corner kick for Harry Kane to score the first goal. It was a reminder that set pieces will be crucial in the upcoming tournament.

Relationship Not Broken

However, all talk was about Bellingham. The brilliance of Rashford's cross for Kane's goal was somewhat overlooked amid the drama of the substitution incident. After the final whistle, everyone was watching the midfielder. Tuchel walked up to his side and guided Bellingham towards the away supporters. Their relationship is not broken. Tuchel is not willing to discard the player just yet. But if the coach is prepared to grant him the central position remains in doubt.