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If Jude Bellingham aims to earn his place into England’s top squad, he would be wise to eliminate the nonsense. The way he reacted when he saw that his number was going up after an evening of mixed performance in the match against Albania fell short of expectations.

"I don’t want to blow it out of proportion but I stand by my words 'behaviour is key' and respect towards the teammates who substitute on," stated Tuchel. "Substitutions happen and you need to comply being a professional."

Bellingham has to learn. There was no call for an outburst. The captain had just put the national team leading by two in a meaningless fixture, with only six minutes remaining and Bellingham, after a below-par performance, received a caution for fouling the Albanian striker. It was not a questionable change. Actually it would have been foolish for the head coach to keep Bellingham on the pitch considering there was a risk he would rule himself out of the opening game of the tournament by receiving a second caution.

Shifting Focus to Himself

However, the player turned the spotlight on himself. No one could overlook the 22-year-old’s disappointment when he clocked 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 manager was not impressed.

Here lies the test for Bellingham. He applauded his teammate for providing the assist for Kane to nod home his second of the night, but everything else was counterproductive. It's not like arguing was going to reverse the substitution. The German has talked so much about honoring the team structure and the necessity of acting professionally.

Under Scrutiny

The midfielder, omitted from last month’s squad, has faced close inspection upon his return to the squad in the current camp. Practically he has been on trial and he hasn't helped his case through his behavior to being taken off as England completed a ideal group stage by defeating a spirited effort from Albania.

Tactics and Formation

As a result opinions are divided on how the squad function at their best with Bellingham in the team. What we saw was inconclusive. There was experimentation by the coach early on. He has given England a clear system over the past few matches, using a No 6, a central midfielder, an attacking midfielder and out-and-out wingers, but there was a different feel against Albania. Quansah was handed his international debut, Adam Wharton made his first start at this level and the use of John Stones as a part-time midfielder meant there was similar look to the Manchester club's 2023 treble winners.

Mixed Performance

Bellingham was a mixed bag. He created an opportunity for Eberechi Eze in the latter period but frequently appeared trying too hard. He made many rushed, misplaced passes. There was a needless bit of aggro with a rival player in the early stages. England's play was messy after halftime. A scoring chance for the opponents came after he lost the ball cheaply. His booking came after he lost the ball to Broja and fouled Broja.

Squad Strength Shows

In the end England’s depth proved crucial. The coach brought on Foden, who seemed more naturally fitted to the role that Bellingham had played during the first half, and Bukayo Saka. Later Saka provided a corner for Harry Kane to break the deadlock. It highlighted that set pieces are going to be vital in the upcoming tournament.

Connection Remains

Still, though, all talk was about Bellingham. The brilliance of the winger's delivery for the second goal was partly forgotten in the ridiculousness of the Rogers substitution. When the match concluded, the focus was on Bellingham. The coach approached from behind and guided the player to acknowledge the away supporters. Their connection is not broken. Tuchel hasn't decided to give up on Bellingham yet. But if the coach is prepared to give him the central position is still uncertain.