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If Jude Bellingham wants to fight his way back into England’s strongest squad, the smart move to do away with the dramatics. His response upon realizing that he was being shown after an evening of inconsistency in Tirana fell short of expectations.

"I don’t want to blow it out of proportion but I hold to my words 'attitude matters' and consideration for the teammates who enter the game," stated Tuchel. "Substitutions happen and you must accept them as a player."

The midfielder must understand. There was no call for a strop. Harry Kane had only moments earlier made it England leading by two in a meaningless match, there were six minutes left and the player, who had not played particularly well, had just been booked for bringing down the Albanian striker. This could scarcely be called a controversial substitution. Actually it might have been reckless for the manager to leave Bellingham on because it was possible the midfielder would rule himself out of the opening game of the World Cup by receiving a second yellow card.

Drawing Attention on Himself

However, the player made himself the center of attention. There was no disguising the player's annoyance when he clocked that he would be substituted for a teammate. He threw his arms up and although he accepted the coach's hand after making his way to the sideline it was clear that Tuchel was displeased.

This represents the hurdle that Bellingham must overcome. He praised his teammate for sending in the ball for the captain to nod home his second of the night, but everything else was counterproductive. There was no chance arguing was going to alter the decision. The coach has stressed repeatedly honoring the team structure and the value of showing proper conduct.

Facing Examination

He, left out of the team last month, is being watched carefully upon his return to the fold this month. Essentially he has been on trial and he has not done himself any favours by reacting to his substitution as the side wrapped up a flawless qualification run by defeating a spirited effort from the Albanian team.

The System and the Setup

As a result the jury is out on how England function at their best including Bellingham. The performance was open to interpretation. There was experimentation from the manager early on. Under him, England have gained the squad a clear system lately, building with a defensive midfielder, a No 8, a playmaker and specialist wingers, but there was a different feel versus Albania. Quansah was given his first cap, the midfielder made his first start internationally and the role of the defender as a part-time midfielder created a passing resemblance to City's team that won three trophies.

Inconsistent Display

Bellingham had ups and downs. He created an opportunity for his teammate during the second half but frequently appeared too desperate to impress. Several rushed, misplaced passes. An unnecessary confrontation with an Albania midfielder at the beginning. England were ragged for much of the second half. An opportunity for Albania followed he lost the ball cheaply. The yellow card occurred when he lost the ball by Broja and fouled Broja.

Substitutes Decide

Ultimately the bench quality was decisive. Tuchel threw on Phil Foden, who seemed better suited to the spot occupied by Bellingham during the first half, and Bukayo Saka. Eventually Saka delivered a set-piece for Kane to open the scoring. It highlighted that set pieces will play a key role at the World Cup.

Relationship Not Broken

Still, though, Bellingham was the story. The excellence of the winger's delivery for Kane's goal was partly forgotten amid the drama of the substitution incident. After the final whistle, everyone was watching Bellingham. Tuchel came over from behind and guided Bellingham in the direction of the English fans. Their connection is not broken. The coach isn't ready to give up on Bellingham yet. Yet whether he is willing to grant him centre stage is still uncertain.