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If Jude Bellingham wants to fight his way into the English best squad, it would be smart to cut out the dramatics. The way he reacted after noticing that he was about to come up following a night of inconsistency in Tirana fell short of expectations.

"I don’t want to blow it out of proportion but I stand by my words 'conduct is crucial' and respect towards the squad members who enter the game," Tuchel said. "Substitutions happen and you have to accept it when you're on the field."

The midfielder must understand. There was no call for a tantrum. Harry Kane had just put the national team two goals ahead in an inconsequential match, there were six minutes left and he, after a below-par performance, was just shown a yellow for a foul on an opponent. This could scarcely be called a controversial substitution. In fact it would have been unwise for the head coach to not substitute him given that there was a chance the midfielder would make himself ineligible of the opening game of the World Cup by getting a another booking.

Shifting Focus on Himself

But Bellingham made himself the center of attention. It was impossible to miss the 22-year-old’s disappointment as he realized that he was going to make way for Morgan Rogers. He flung his arms in the air and although he shook Tuchel’s hand after making his way to the touchline there was no doubt that the head coach was not impressed.

Here lies the test that Bellingham must overcome. He praised Rashford for providing the assist for Harry Kane to head in his second goal, but the rest was harmful to his cause. It is not as if complaining was going to alter the decision. The coach has repeatedly emphasized following squad protocols and the value of behaving correctly.

In the Spotlight

He, omitted from the team last month, has been under scrutiny after returning to the squad recently. In effect he has been on trial and he hasn't helped his case by reacting to his substitution as the side wrapped up a ideal group stage by defeating a spirited effort from their opponents.

The Coach's Plan

As a result opinions are divided on whether the team operate most effectively with Bellingham in the team. The evidence here was open to interpretation. Tuchel tried new things from Tuchel early on. Under him, England have gained the squad organization and direction over the past few matches, building with a No 6, a box-to-box player, an attacking midfielder and specialist wingers, but the approach changed in this match. Quansah was made his England debut, the midfielder started for the first time internationally and the role of John Stones as a part-time midfielder gave a similar look to the Manchester club's historic treble-winning side.

A Game of Two Halves

Bellingham had ups and downs. He set up a shot for Eze after the break but at times seemed trying too hard. There were a lot of rushed, misplaced passes. There was a needless bit of aggro with a rival player early on. England's play was messy during most of the second period. One Albania chance came after Bellingham squandered possession. His caution occurred when he lost the ball by Broja and committed a foul on Broja.

Substitutes Decide

In the end England’s depth made the difference. Tuchel introduced the Manchester City player, who looked more comfortable to the spot occupied by Bellingham earlier in the match, and Bukayo Saka. Later Saka provided a set-piece for Harry Kane to score the first goal. It was a reminder that dead-ball situations are going to be vital at the World Cup.

Connection Remains

However, the focus was on Bellingham. The brilliance of Rashford’s assist for the second goal was partly forgotten amid the drama of the Rogers substitution. At the end, everyone was watching the midfielder. Tuchel came over from behind and guided the player towards the travelling England fans. The bond between them remains intact. Tuchel hasn't decided to give up on him at this stage. However, whether the coach is prepared to give him centre stage is still uncertain.