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If Jude Bellingham aims to force his way back into the English best squad, he would be wise to cut out the nonsense. His response after noticing that his number was being shown after an evening of mixed performance in Tirana was unacceptable.

"I don’t want to make more out of it but I stick to my words 'attitude matters' and consideration for the players who enter the game," stated Tuchel. "Decisions are made and you need to comply as a player."

Bellingham has to learn. There was no need for an outburst. Kane had only moments earlier made it the Three Lions two goals ahead in a meaningless qualifier, there were six minutes left and the player, following an inconsistent display, had just been booked for a foul on Armando Broja. This was hardly a questionable change. In fact it would have been unwise for the head coach to leave Bellingham on because it was possible he would be suspended of the initial fixture of the competition by picking up a second caution.

Turning the Spotlight to Himself

However, the player made himself the center of attention. It was impossible to miss the young midfielder's disappointment when he clocked that he was going to make way for another player. His arms went up in exasperation and although he accepted the coach's hand while heading to the bench there was no doubt that the head coach was displeased.

This represents the hurdle that Bellingham must overcome. He praised Rashford for delivering the cross for Kane to head in the team's second, but the rest was harmful to his cause. It is not as if arguing was going to alter the decision. The coach has stressed repeatedly honoring the team structure and the value of acting professionally.

In the Spotlight

The midfielder, not included in last month’s squad, has faced close inspection since coming back to the fold in the current camp. Essentially he was being assessed and his actions haven't benefited him through his behavior to being taken off as the side completed a flawless qualification run by overcoming a tough opposition from the Albanian team.

The Coach's Plan

It means opinions are divided on whether England operate most effectively with Bellingham in the team. The performance was open to interpretation. There was experimentation by the coach at the start. He has provided England organization and direction over the past few matches, building with a No 6, a central midfielder, a playmaker and dedicated wide players, but there was a different feel in this match. The young defender was handed his international debut, Wharton was in the starting lineup for England and the positioning of Stones as a part-time midfielder created a faint echo to City's team that won three trophies.

Inconsistent Display

Bellingham had ups and downs. He set up a shot for Eze in the latter period but at times seemed too desperate to impress. He made many rushed, misplaced passes. There was a needless bit of aggro against an opponent at the beginning. The team looked disjointed after halftime. An opportunity for Albania resulted from Bellingham squandered possession. The yellow card occurred when he lost the ball from Broja and committed a foul on the former Chelsea striker.

Substitutes Decide

Finally the bench quality proved crucial. The coach brought on Phil Foden, who appeared better suited to the spot occupied by Bellingham earlier in the match, and the Arsenal winger. Eventually Saka provided a corner for Harry Kane to score the first goal. This served as a reminder that corners and free-kicks will be crucial in the upcoming tournament.

Connection Remains

However, all talk was about Bellingham. The excellence of Rashford's cross for the second goal was a little lost amid the drama of the player change. After the final whistle, the focus was on the midfielder. Tuchel came over from behind and directed the player to acknowledge the away supporters. The bond between them is not broken. The coach isn't ready to give up on the player just yet. But if Tuchel is inclined to offer him centre stage remains in doubt.