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If Jude Bellingham aims to earn his place back into England’s strongest team, the smart move to eliminate the nonsense. The way he reacted when he saw that he was going up after a match of mixed performance in Tirana fell short of expectations.

"I don’t want to overstate it but I stick to my words 'attitude matters' and respect for the players who come in," commented the coach. "Substitutions happen and you must accept them as a player."

The midfielder must understand. It was unnecessary for a strop. Harry Kane had recently scored to make the national team two goals ahead in an inconsequential fixture, there were six minutes left and the player, after a below-par performance, received a caution for bringing down an opponent. This was hardly a controversial substitution. Indeed it would have been unwise for the manager to not substitute him because there was a risk the midfielder would be suspended of the initial fixture of the competition by getting a second caution.

Drawing Attention on Himself

Yet Bellingham drew all eyes toward himself. No one could overlook the young midfielder's annoyance as he realized that his replacement was ready for Morgan Rogers. He flung his arms in the air and although he shook Tuchel’s hand while heading to the touchline there was no doubt that the manager was not impressed.

This is the challenge that Bellingham must overcome. He congratulated Rashford for sending in the ball for the captain to score the team's second, but his other actions was self-defeating. It's not like arguing was going to change Tuchel’s mind. Tuchel has repeatedly emphasized respecting team hierarchies and the value of acting professionally.

Under Scrutiny

He, left out of the team last month, has been under scrutiny since coming back to the team recently. In effect he has been on trial and his actions haven't benefited him through his behavior to being taken off as the national team completed a flawless qualification run by overcoming a tough opposition from the Albanian team.

Tactics and Formation

As a result opinions are divided on if the team operate most effectively when Bellingham plays. The evidence here was open to interpretation. There was experimentation from the manager early on. He has provided the team organization and direction in recent months, building with a No 6, a No 8, a playmaker and specialist wingers, but the approach changed versus Albania. Quansah was given his first cap, the midfielder was in the starting lineup at this level and the use of the defender as a part-time midfielder created a passing resemblance to City's team that won three trophies.

Inconsistent Display

His performance was inconsistent. He made a chance for Eberechi Eze in the latter period but often looked too desperate to impress. There were a lot of rushed, misplaced passes. A pointless clash against an opponent at the beginning. The team looked disjointed after halftime. A scoring chance for the opponents came after Bellingham squandered possession. His caution came after he lost the ball by Broja and fouled Broja.

Substitutes Decide

Finally the bench quality proved crucial. Tuchel introduced the Manchester City player, who appeared more naturally fitted to the position in which Bellingham operated during the first half, and Bukayo Saka. Eventually Saka provided a corner for Kane to open the scoring. It was a reminder that dead-ball situations will be crucial next summer.

Relationship Not Broken

However, Bellingham was the story. The quality of Rashford’s assist for the second goal was partly forgotten due to the fuss of the player change. At the end, all eyes were on the midfielder. The coach approached behind him and guided Bellingham to acknowledge the English fans. The bond between them is not damaged. Tuchel hasn't decided to abandon him at this stage. But if he is willing to give him a starring role remains in doubt.