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If Jude Bellingham aims to fight his way once again into the English best team, it would be smart to eliminate the dramatics. His response upon realizing that he was being shown following a night of inconsistency in the match against Albania fell short of expectations.

"I don’t want to blow it out of proportion but I hold to my words 'behaviour is key' and respect for the teammates who substitute on," Tuchel said. "Decisions are made and you must accept them when you're on the field."

There is a lesson for Bellingham. It was unnecessary for a strop. The captain had only moments earlier made it the national team two goals ahead in an inconsequential match, with only six minutes remaining and he, following an inconsistent display, was just shown a yellow for fouling the Albanian striker. This could scarcely be called a controversial substitution. Indeed it might have been reckless for the manager to leave Bellingham on because it was possible the midfielder would be suspended of the initial fixture of the competition by getting a second yellow card.

Drawing Attention Upon Himself

Yet Bellingham made himself the center of attention. There was no disguising the young midfielder's disappointment upon understanding that he was going to make way for a teammate. He flung his arms in the air and even though he exchanged a handshake on his way to the sideline there was no doubt that the manager did not appreciate it.

Here lies the test that Bellingham must overcome. He congratulated Marcus Rashford for delivering the cross for Harry Kane to head in his second of the night, but everything else was counterproductive. It's not like complaining was going to alter the decision. The coach has repeatedly emphasized honoring the team structure and the importance of showing proper conduct.

In the Spotlight

Bellingham, omitted from last month’s squad, has faced close inspection after returning to the squad recently. Practically his place has been in question and he hasn't helped his case by reacting to being taken off as the side wrapped up a perfect qualifying campaign by defeating a spirited effort from the Albanian team.

The Coach's Plan

As a result the jury is out on if England operate most effectively including Bellingham. The performance was inconclusive. Tuchel tried new things from Tuchel at the start. Under him, England have gained England a clear system over the past few matches, using a defensive midfielder, a No 8, an attacking midfielder and specialist wingers, but the approach changed in this match. Jarell Quansah was handed his international debut, the midfielder made his first start at this level and the role of John Stones as a part-time midfielder created a similar look to Manchester City’s historic treble-winning side.

Mixed Performance

Bellingham was a mixed bag. He created an opportunity for Eberechi Eze after the break but frequently appeared too desperate to impress. There were a lot of poorly executed passes. There was a needless bit of aggro against an opponent in the early stages. England were ragged during most of the second period. An opportunity for Albania followed he lost the ball cheaply. His booking came after he lost the ball by Broja and fouled Broja.

Depth Makes the Difference

Ultimately England’s depth proved crucial. Tuchel threw on Phil Foden, who appeared more comfortable to the spot occupied by Bellingham during the first half, and the Arsenal winger. Eventually Saka delivered a corner for Harry Kane to score the first goal. It was a reminder that corners and free-kicks will play a key role at the World Cup.

Relationship Not Broken

Still, though, the focus was on Bellingham. The quality of Rashford’s assist for Kane’s header was partly forgotten amid the drama of the Rogers substitution. When the match concluded, the focus was on Bellingham. Tuchel walked up behind him and guided the player in the direction of the English fans. Their relationship is not damaged. Tuchel is not willing to discard Bellingham yet. Yet whether the coach is prepared to offer him a starring role is still uncertain.