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If Jude Bellingham wants to earn his place back into England’s top starting eleven, he would be wise to cut out the dramatics. His reaction when he saw that his number was about to come up after a match of uneven play in Tirana fell short of expectations.

"I’d rather not overstate it but I stand by my words 'attitude matters' and consideration for the players who substitute on," Tuchel said. "Choices are taken and you have to accept it as a player."

There is a lesson for Bellingham. It was unnecessary for an outburst. Harry Kane had only moments earlier made it the national team two goals ahead in an inconsequential qualifier, with only six minutes remaining and Bellingham, after a below-par performance, had just been booked for bringing down an opponent. This could scarcely be called a debatable decision. Actually it would have been foolish for Tuchel to not substitute him considering it was possible he would rule himself out of the opening game of the tournament by picking up a second yellow card.

Drawing Attention to Himself

But Bellingham made himself the center of attention. No one could overlook the 22-year-old’s frustration upon understanding that he was going to make way for Morgan Rogers. He threw his arms up and even though he accepted the coach's hand on his way to the touchline there was no doubt that Tuchel was displeased.

Here lies the test facing Bellingham. He praised his teammate for providing the assist for the captain to nod home the team's second, but his other actions was self-defeating. There was no chance complaining was going to reverse the substitution. The German has talked so much about following squad protocols and the necessity of showing proper conduct.

In the Spotlight

The midfielder, left out of the previous squad, has been under scrutiny upon his return to the squad recently. In effect he has been on trial and he hasn't helped his case through his behavior to being taken off as England rounded off a flawless qualification run by overcoming a spirited effort from their opponents.

The Coach's Plan

This implies it's unclear on whether England operate most effectively when Bellingham plays. What we saw was open to interpretation. Some new ideas were tested from Tuchel in the beginning. He has provided England organization and direction lately, using a holding player, a No 8, a No 10 and out-and-out wingers, but the approach changed against Albania. The young defender was handed his international debut, the midfielder made his first start at this level and the use of John Stones as a part-time midfielder created a similar look to City's team that won three trophies.

A Game of Two Halves

Bellingham was a mixed bag. He created an opportunity for Eberechi Eze after the break but at times seemed overly eager to shine. Several poorly executed passes. An unnecessary confrontation with a rival player in the early stages. The team looked disjointed for much of the second half. An opportunity for Albania came after Bellingham gave the ball away. His booking was shown after he lost the ball by Broja and fouled the former Chelsea striker.

Depth Makes the Difference

Ultimately England’s depth was decisive. The coach brought on Foden, who seemed more naturally fitted to the role that Bellingham had played earlier in the match, and Bukayo Saka. Eventually Saka delivered a set-piece for Kane to score the first goal. It was a reminder that set pieces will be crucial next summer.

Relationship Not Broken

Still, though, the focus was on Bellingham. The brilliance of Rashford’s assist for Kane's goal was somewhat overlooked in the ridiculousness of the Rogers substitution. When the match concluded, everyone was watching the midfielder. Tuchel came over from behind and directed the player in the direction of the away supporters. Their connection is not broken. Tuchel is not willing to give up on the player just yet. Yet whether the coach is prepared to grant him a starring role remains in doubt.