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If Jude Bellingham aims to earn his place back into England’s best team, the smart move to eliminate the unnecessary reactions. His response after noticing that he was being shown after a match of mixed performance in the match against Albania was not good enough.

"I don’t want to blow it out of proportion but I hold to my words 'behaviour is key' and respect towards the teammates who come in," stated Tuchel. "Choices are taken and you must accept them as a player."

The midfielder must understand. There was no call for a tantrum. The captain had only moments earlier made it the national team 2-0 up in a dead rubber fixture, there were six minutes left and Bellingham, after a below-par performance, received a caution for fouling Armando Broja. It was not a controversial substitution. Actually it might have been reckless for Tuchel to keep Bellingham on the pitch given that there was a chance he would be suspended of the first match of the competition by receiving a another booking.

Drawing Attention to 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 would be substituted for another player. He flung his arms in the air and even though he exchanged a handshake after making his way to the touchline it was clear that the manager was not impressed.

Here lies the test that Bellingham must overcome. He praised his teammate for providing the assist for Harry Kane to score his second goal, but the rest was harmful to his cause. There was no chance protesting 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

Bellingham, omitted from the previous squad, is being watched carefully after returning to the squad this month. Practically his place has been in question and his actions haven't benefited him through his behavior to his substitution as the side wrapped up a flawless qualification run by overcoming a spirited effort from Albania.

Tactics and Formation

As a result opinions are divided on whether England function at their best with Bellingham in the team. What we saw was not definitive. There was experimentation by the coach at the start. He has given the squad organization and direction in recent months, using a holding player, a central midfielder, a playmaker and specialist wingers, but it felt different in this match. Quansah was given his first cap, Wharton was in the starting lineup at this level and the positioning of John Stones as a makeshift midfielder meant there was similar look to Manchester City’s team that won three trophies.

Mixed Performance

Bellingham had ups and downs. He created an opportunity for his teammate after the break but often looked trying too hard. He made many poorly executed passes. An unnecessary confrontation against an opponent in the early stages. England were ragged during most of the second period. One Albania chance came after Bellingham gave the ball away. The yellow card occurred when an opponent took the ball by Broja and brought down the former Chelsea striker.

Substitutes Decide

In the end the squad's strength made the difference. Tuchel introduced Phil Foden, who appeared more comfortable to the role occupied by Bellingham in the opening period, and the Arsenal winger. Later Saka whipped in a corner for Harry Kane to break the deadlock. It highlighted that set pieces will be crucial in the upcoming tournament.

Relationship Not Broken

Nevertheless, all talk was about Bellingham. The brilliance of Rashford’s assist for the second goal was somewhat overlooked in the ridiculousness of the Rogers substitution. When the match concluded, all eyes were on Bellingham. The coach approached behind him and guided the Real Madrid midfielder in the direction of the away supporters. Their connection is not damaged. Tuchel is not willing to give up on the player just yet. Yet whether he is willing to give him the central position remains in doubt.