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If Jude Bellingham hopes to fight his way into the English top squad, the smart move to cut out the unnecessary reactions. His response when he saw that the substitute board was going up following a night of inconsistency in the match against Albania was unacceptable.

"I’d rather not overstate it but I stand by my words 'behaviour is key' and consideration for the teammates who enter the game," stated Tuchel. "Choices are taken and you have to accept it as a player."

There is a lesson for Bellingham. It was unnecessary for a strop. The captain had recently scored to make the national team 2-0 up in a dead rubber match, the game had six minutes to go and the player, following an inconsistent display, was just shown a yellow for bringing down Armando Broja. This could scarcely be called a debatable decision. Actually it would have been unwise for the manager to not substitute him given that it was possible Bellingham would make himself ineligible of the first match of the tournament by getting a second caution.

Drawing Attention on Himself

But Bellingham turned the spotlight on himself. It was impossible to miss the player's disappointment as he realized that he would be substituted for Morgan Rogers. His arms went up in exasperation and while he accepted the coach's hand while heading to the touchline it was clear that Tuchel did not appreciate it.

This is the challenge that Bellingham must overcome. He congratulated Rashford for delivering the cross for Kane to head in his second goal, but everything else was harmful to his cause. It is not as if protesting was going to change Tuchel’s mind. The coach has repeatedly emphasized honoring the team structure and the importance of showing proper conduct.

Facing Examination

He, omitted from the team last month, is being watched carefully upon his return to the team recently. Essentially his place has been in question and he hasn't helped his case through his behavior to his substitution as England wrapped up a ideal group stage by defeating a feisty challenge from their opponents.

The Coach's Plan

It means opinions are divided on if the team perform optimally with Bellingham in the team. The evidence here was inconclusive. Tuchel tried new things from the manager at the start. He has provided the squad organization and direction in recent months, employing a defensive midfielder, a No 8, an attacking midfielder and dedicated wide players, but there was a different feel in this match. Quansah was handed his international debut, Wharton was in the starting lineup for England and the positioning of the defender as an auxiliary midfielder gave a faint echo to Manchester City’s historic treble-winning side.

A Game of Two Halves

Bellingham had ups and downs. He created an opportunity for Eze during the second half but often looked too desperate to impress. He made many poorly executed passes. A pointless clash with a rival player early on. England were ragged during most of the second period. One Albania chance resulted from Bellingham squandered possession. The yellow card occurred when he was dispossessed by Broja and fouled the attacker.

Depth Makes the Difference

Ultimately the bench quality made the difference. Tuchel introduced Phil Foden, who appeared more comfortable to the role occupied by Bellingham earlier in the match, and the Arsenal winger. Later Saka provided a corner for Kane to score the first goal. This served as a reminder that set pieces will be crucial in the upcoming tournament.

Bridge Still Stands

Nevertheless, the focus was on Bellingham. The brilliance of Rashford’s assist for the second goal was somewhat overlooked in the ridiculousness of the Rogers substitution. After the final whistle, everyone was watching him. Tuchel came over behind him and pushed the player in the direction of the English fans. Their connection remains intact. The coach isn't ready to give up on the player just yet. But if the coach is prepared to offer him the central position remains in doubt.