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If Jude Bellingham wants to earn his place back into England’s top team, the smart move to do away with the unnecessary reactions. His response upon realizing that he was about to come up after an evening of mixed performance in Tirana was unacceptable.

"I’d rather not overstate it but I stick to my words 'attitude matters' and respect towards the players who substitute on," commented the coach. "Substitutions happen and you have to accept it being a professional."

There is a lesson for Bellingham. There was no need for a strop. Harry Kane had only moments earlier made it the Three Lions 2-0 up in a dead rubber qualifier, there were six minutes left and Bellingham, who had not played particularly well, was just shown a yellow for a foul on Armando Broja. This was hardly a debatable decision. In fact it might have been reckless for the head coach to keep Bellingham on the pitch because it was possible Bellingham would make himself ineligible of the initial fixture of the competition by picking up a another booking.

Shifting Focus Upon Himself

However, the player made himself the center of attention. There was no disguising the player's frustration as he realized that his replacement was ready for Morgan Rogers. He flung his arms in the air and although he exchanged a handshake on his way to the bench it was obvious that the head coach was displeased.

This represents the hurdle that Bellingham must overcome. He congratulated Rashford for providing the assist for the captain to head in the team's second, but the rest was harmful to his cause. There was no chance protesting was going to alter the decision. The coach has repeatedly emphasized following squad protocols and the importance of acting professionally.

Under Scrutiny

He, omitted from last month’s squad, has been under scrutiny after returning to the team recently. Practically his place has been in question and his actions haven't benefited him through his behavior to being taken off as the national team wrapped up a ideal group stage by overcoming a spirited effort from the Albanian team.

The Coach's Plan

As a result opinions are divided on if England perform optimally including Bellingham. The performance was not definitive. Tuchel tried new things from Tuchel in the beginning. He has provided the squad organization and direction over the past few matches, employing a holding player, a No 8, an attacking midfielder and out-and-out wingers, but there was a different feel in this match. The young defender was given his first cap, the midfielder was in the starting lineup for England and the positioning of John Stones as a part-time midfielder gave a similar look to City's historic treble-winning side.

Inconsistent Display

Bellingham was a mixed bag. He made a chance for Eze after the break but frequently appeared overly eager to shine. He made many rushed, misplaced passes. A pointless clash against an opponent early on. England were ragged for much of the second half. An opportunity for Albania resulted from he lost the ball cheaply. His caution was shown after an opponent took the ball to Broja and fouled Broja.

Substitutes Decide

Ultimately the bench quality proved crucial. Tuchel threw on the Manchester City player, who seemed more naturally fitted to the role occupied by Bellingham in the opening period, and Saka. Eventually Saka provided a corner for the captain to score the first goal. This served as a reminder that set pieces will play a key role at the World Cup.

Connection Remains

Nevertheless, Bellingham was the story. The excellence of Rashford's cross for Kane’s header was a little lost in the ridiculousness of the substitution incident. At the end, all eyes were on the midfielder. The coach approached to his side and pushed the Real Madrid midfielder in the direction of the English fans. Their relationship is not broken. Tuchel is not willing to abandon Bellingham yet. But if he is willing to offer him a starring role remains in doubt.