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If Jude Bellingham aims to force his way once again into the English best squad, it would be smart to do away with the nonsense. His response when he saw that he was going up after an evening of inconsistency in the match against Albania fell short of expectations.

"I prefer not to blow it out of proportion but I stick to my words 'conduct is crucial' and consideration for the squad members who substitute on," commented the coach. "Substitutions happen and you need to comply being a professional."

There is a lesson for Bellingham. There was no need for an outburst. The captain had just put the national team leading by two in a dead rubber qualifier, the game had six minutes to go and he, who had not played particularly well, received a caution for fouling the Albanian striker. It was not a debatable decision. Actually it would have been unwise for Tuchel to not substitute him because there was a risk he would rule himself out of the initial fixture of the competition by receiving a second yellow card.

Drawing Attention to Himself

But Bellingham drew all eyes toward himself. No one could overlook the 22-year-old’s annoyance when he clocked that his replacement was ready for another player. His arms went up in exasperation and although he shook Tuchel’s hand while heading to the touchline it was clear that Tuchel did not appreciate it.

This is the challenge that Bellingham must overcome. He applauded Rashford for sending in the ball for the captain to score his second of the night, but the rest was harmful to his cause. It's not like complaining was going to change Tuchel’s mind. Tuchel has stressed repeatedly honoring the team structure and the importance of behaving correctly.

Facing Examination

Bellingham, omitted from last month’s squad, has been under scrutiny upon his return to the squad in the current camp. In effect he has been on trial and he hasn't helped his case by reacting to coming off the pitch as the national team completed a perfect qualifying campaign by seeing off a tough opposition from the Albanian team.

Tactics and Formation

This implies opinions are divided on if the team perform optimally including Bellingham. What we saw was not definitive. Tuchel tried new things by the coach in the beginning. He has provided the team organization and direction lately, using a holding player, a central midfielder, an attacking midfielder and specialist wingers, but there was a different feel against Albania. Quansah was given his first cap, Wharton was in the starting lineup at this level and the positioning of Stones as an auxiliary midfielder created a similar look to the Manchester club's historic treble-winning side.

Mixed Performance

His performance was inconsistent. He made a chance for Eberechi Eze after the break but often looked too desperate to impress. He made many hurried and errant passes. A pointless clash with a rival player early on. England's play was messy for much of the second half. An opportunity for Albania followed he lost the ball cheaply. His booking was shown after an opponent took the ball to Broja and brought down the attacker.

Substitutes Decide

Finally the squad's strength was decisive. Tuchel threw on Phil Foden, who seemed more naturally fitted to the role that Bellingham had played during the first half, and Bukayo Saka. Eventually Saka provided a set-piece for the captain to score the first goal. This served as a reminder that corners and free-kicks will play a key role at the World Cup.

Connection Remains

Still, though, all talk was about Bellingham. The brilliance of Rashford's cross for Kane's goal was somewhat overlooked due to the fuss of the player change. At the end, everyone was watching Bellingham. Tuchel came over from behind and directed the Real Madrid midfielder to acknowledge the away supporters. Their relationship remains intact. Tuchel is not willing to discard the player just yet. Yet whether the coach is prepared to give him a starring role is still uncertain.