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If Jude Bellingham aims to fight his way into England’s strongest starting eleven, the smart move to do away with the dramatics. His response upon realizing that his number was being shown after an evening of uneven play in the match against Albania fell short of expectations.

"I don’t want to make more out of it but I stand by my words 'attitude matters' and respect for the players who come in," commented the coach. "Substitutions happen and you have to accept it being a professional."

Bellingham has to learn. It was unnecessary for a tantrum. Harry Kane had just put the national team two goals ahead in a dead rubber fixture, there were six minutes left and Bellingham, after a below-par performance, had just been booked for bringing down Armando Broja. This was hardly a controversial substitution. Actually it might have been reckless for the head coach to leave Bellingham on considering there was a chance the midfielder would make himself ineligible of the first match of the competition by receiving a another booking.

Turning the Spotlight on Himself

But Bellingham turned the spotlight on himself. It was impossible to miss the player's frustration upon understanding that he would be substituted for a teammate. He threw his arms up and while he accepted the coach's hand after making his way to the touchline there was no doubt that the manager did not appreciate it.

This represents the hurdle for Bellingham. He praised Rashford for sending in the ball for Harry Kane to nod home the team's second, but his other actions was counterproductive. There was no chance protesting was going to reverse the substitution. The coach has repeatedly emphasized honoring the team structure and the value of acting professionally.

Facing Examination

He, omitted from last month’s squad, is being watched carefully after returning to the squad this month. In effect his place has been in question and he hasn't helped his case with his response to being taken off as the national team completed a ideal group stage by overcoming a spirited effort from the Albanian team.

Tactics and Formation

As a result the jury is out on how the squad function at their best when Bellingham plays. The evidence here was not definitive. Some new ideas were tested from the manager early on. He has given the team structure and clarity lately, using a No 6, a box-to-box player, an attacking midfielder and specialist wingers, but it felt different against Albania. The young defender was handed his international debut, Wharton started for the first time internationally and the role of John Stones as a makeshift midfielder meant there was similar look to City's team that won three trophies.

A Game of Two Halves

His performance was inconsistent. He created an opportunity for Eberechi Eze in the latter period but at times seemed trying too hard. There were a lot of hurried and errant passes. A pointless clash against an opponent at the beginning. The team looked disjointed during most of the second period. One Albania chance came after Bellingham squandered possession. His caution occurred when he was dispossessed by Broja and fouled the former Chelsea striker.

Depth Makes the Difference

Ultimately the squad's strength made the difference. The coach brought on Phil Foden, who looked more naturally fitted to the role that Bellingham had played earlier in the match, and Saka. Eventually Saka whipped in a set-piece for Harry Kane to open the scoring. It highlighted that corners and free-kicks will play a key role in the upcoming tournament.

Connection Remains

Still, though, the focus was on Bellingham. The excellence of Rashford's cross for Kane’s header was a little lost amid the drama of the player change. At the end, the focus was on him. The coach approached from behind and directed the Real Madrid midfielder to acknowledge the travelling England fans. The bond between them remains intact. Tuchel hasn't decided to give up on Bellingham yet. Yet whether he is willing to grant him a starring role is still uncertain.