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If Jude Bellingham wants to force his way back into the English top starting eleven, he would be wise to eliminate the unnecessary reactions. His response upon realizing that his number was being shown after a match of inconsistency in the match against Albania fell short of expectations.

"I’d rather not blow it out of proportion but I hold to my words 'behaviour is key' and consideration for the squad members who come in," stated Tuchel. "Substitutions happen and you have to accept it being a professional."

The midfielder must understand. It was unnecessary for an outburst. The captain had only moments earlier made it England leading by two in a meaningless qualifier, there were six minutes left and the player, following an inconsistent display, received a caution for fouling an opponent. This could scarcely be called a questionable change. In fact it would have been foolish for Tuchel to not substitute him considering it was possible he would rule himself out of the initial fixture of the tournament by picking up a second caution.

Drawing Attention to Himself

However, the player turned the spotlight on himself. It was impossible to miss the 22-year-old’s annoyance when he clocked that he would be substituted for another player. He flung his arms in the air and although he shook Tuchel’s hand after making his way to the sideline there was no doubt that the head coach was displeased.

Here lies the test that Bellingham must overcome. He praised his teammate for sending in the ball for Harry Kane to head in the team's second, but his other actions was harmful to his cause. There was no chance protesting was going to change Tuchel’s mind. The German has stressed repeatedly respecting team hierarchies and the value of acting professionally.

Under Scrutiny

The midfielder, not included in the team last month, is being watched carefully since coming back to the squad recently. Practically he has been on trial and he hasn't helped his case by reacting to coming off the pitch as the side rounded off a ideal group stage by defeating a feisty challenge from Albania.

The Coach's Plan

As a result it's unclear on how England operate most effectively including Bellingham. The evidence here was inconclusive. There was experimentation from the manager at the start. He has provided the squad a clear system over the past few matches, employing a defensive midfielder, a No 8, an attacking midfielder and specialist wingers, but there was a different feel against Albania. The young defender was handed his international debut, Adam Wharton was in the starting lineup internationally and the positioning of the defender as a part-time midfielder meant there was faint echo to Manchester City’s historic treble-winning side.

Inconsistent Display

His performance was inconsistent. He created an opportunity for his teammate in the latter period but frequently appeared too desperate to impress. Several poorly executed passes. There was a needless bit of aggro against an opponent in the early stages. England were ragged after halftime. An opportunity for Albania resulted from Bellingham squandered possession. His caution came after an opponent took the ball by Broja and committed a foul on the former Chelsea striker.

Substitutes Decide

Finally England’s depth made the difference. The coach brought on the Manchester City player, who appeared better suited to the role in which Bellingham operated earlier in the match, and the Arsenal winger. In time Saka provided a corner kick for Harry Kane to open the scoring. It was a reminder that corners and free-kicks are going to be vital next summer.

Bridge Still Stands

However, all talk was about Bellingham. The excellence of the winger's delivery for Kane’s header was a little lost due to the fuss of the Rogers substitution. At the end, the focus was on him. Tuchel came over to his side and directed the Real Madrid midfielder towards the away supporters. Their relationship remains intact. The coach isn't ready to discard him at this stage. But if Tuchel is inclined to offer him a starring role is not guaranteed.