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If Jude Bellingham aims to force his way once again into England’s strongest squad, he would be wise to eliminate the nonsense. His reaction after noticing that his number was being shown following a night of inconsistency in Tirana was not good enough.

"I don’t want to make more out of it but I stand by my words 'behaviour is key' and respect towards the players who come in," Tuchel said. "Decisions are made and you have to accept it as a player."

There is a lesson for Bellingham. There was no need for a tantrum. The captain had only moments earlier made it the Three Lions 2-0 up in a meaningless fixture, the game had six minutes to go and he, after a below-par performance, had just been booked for bringing down Armando Broja. It was not a controversial substitution. Actually it would have been unwise for Tuchel to not substitute him considering there was a chance the midfielder would be suspended of the opening game of the tournament by getting a second yellow card.

Shifting Focus Upon Himself

But Bellingham turned the spotlight on himself. There was no disguising the player's disappointment upon understanding that he was going to make way for another player. He threw his arms up and although he exchanged a handshake on his way to the touchline there was no doubt that Tuchel did not appreciate it.

This represents the hurdle for Bellingham. He applauded Rashford for providing the assist for Harry Kane to score his second goal, but everything else was harmful to his cause. It's not like protesting was going to change Tuchel’s mind. Tuchel has stressed repeatedly honoring the team structure and the necessity of acting professionally.

In the Spotlight

The midfielder, not included in the team last month, has faced close inspection after returning to the fold in the current camp. Essentially his place has been in question and he hasn't helped his case through his behavior to coming off the pitch as the side rounded off a flawless qualification run by seeing off a tough opposition from Albania.

The System and the Setup

As a result the jury is out on whether the squad operate most effectively with Bellingham in the team. The performance was not definitive. Some new ideas were tested by the coach at the start. He has provided England structure and clarity in recent months, employing a holding player, a box-to-box player, a playmaker and out-and-out wingers, but there was a different feel against Albania. Jarell Quansah was handed his international debut, Adam Wharton started for the first time internationally and the role of the defender as a makeshift midfielder meant there was passing resemblance to the Manchester club's team that won three trophies.

Mixed Performance

Bellingham had ups and downs. He made a chance for Eberechi Eze after the break but at times seemed trying too hard. Several hurried and errant passes. A pointless clash with a rival player at the beginning. The team looked disjointed after halftime. An opportunity for Albania came after Bellingham gave the ball away. His caution was shown after he lost the ball from Broja and brought down the attacker.

Squad Strength Shows

Ultimately the bench quality proved crucial. Tuchel threw on Phil Foden, who seemed more comfortable to the position occupied by Bellingham earlier in the match, and Saka. Eventually Saka delivered a set-piece for Kane to break the deadlock. It highlighted that corners and free-kicks will play a key role at the World Cup.

Bridge Still Stands

Still, though, all talk was about Bellingham. The brilliance of the winger's delivery for Kane’s header was a little lost due to the fuss of the player change. When the match concluded, all eyes were on the midfielder. The coach approached behind him and pushed Bellingham to acknowledge the travelling England fans. The bond between them remains intact. The coach isn't ready to discard Bellingham yet. Yet whether the coach is prepared to offer him a starring role is not guaranteed.