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If Jude Bellingham hopes to earn his place into the English strongest starting eleven, he would be wise to eliminate the dramatics. His response after noticing that his number was being shown following a night of uneven play in Tirana was unacceptable.

"I don’t want to overstate it but I stick to my words 'conduct is crucial' and respect towards the players who enter the game," commented the coach. "Substitutions happen and you need to comply as a player."

The midfielder must understand. It was unnecessary for a strop. Harry Kane had recently scored to make the national team two goals ahead in a dead rubber match, there were six minutes left and Bellingham, after a below-par performance, had just been booked for a foul on Armando Broja. This could scarcely be called a questionable change. Actually it might have been reckless for the manager to leave Bellingham on considering there was a chance Bellingham would make himself ineligible of the initial fixture of the competition by getting a second caution.

Turning the Spotlight Upon Himself

However, the player turned the spotlight on himself. It was impossible to miss the player's disappointment when he clocked that he would be substituted for a teammate. He flung his arms in the air and although he shook Tuchel’s hand on his way to the bench there was no doubt that the head coach was displeased.

Here lies the test facing Bellingham. He praised his teammate for delivering the cross for Harry Kane to score his second of the night, but everything else was harmful to his cause. It is not as if arguing was going to alter the decision. Tuchel has talked so much about following squad protocols and the necessity of acting professionally.

Under Scrutiny

Bellingham, left out of the team last month, has faced close inspection upon his return to the fold this month. Essentially his place has been in question and he hasn't helped his case with his response to coming off the pitch as England rounded off a ideal group stage by overcoming a tough opposition from their opponents.

The Coach's Plan

This implies opinions are divided on whether the squad perform optimally with Bellingham in the team. What we saw was inconclusive. Tuchel tried new things from Tuchel early on. He has given England a clear system lately, employing a defensive midfielder, a No 8, a No 10 and out-and-out wingers, but there was a different feel in this match. Quansah was given his first cap, Adam Wharton started for the first time for England and the use of the defender as an auxiliary midfielder meant there was similar look to City's team that won three trophies.

Mixed Performance

Bellingham had ups and downs. He made a chance for Eberechi Eze after the break but frequently appeared trying too hard. There were a lot of poorly executed passes. There was a needless bit of aggro against an opponent in the early stages. England's play was messy after halftime. An opportunity for Albania came after Bellingham squandered possession. His booking occurred when he lost the ball from Broja and brought down the attacker.

Substitutes Decide

Ultimately the squad's strength made the difference. Tuchel introduced Foden, who seemed better suited to the spot that Bellingham had played in the opening period, and Bukayo Saka. Eventually Saka whipped in a corner kick for Harry Kane to score the first goal. It highlighted that dead-ball situations will play a key role next summer.

Bridge Still Stands

However, Bellingham was the story. The brilliance of the winger's delivery for Kane's goal was partly forgotten due to the fuss of the substitution incident. When the match concluded, all eyes were on Bellingham. Tuchel walked up to his side and pushed the player towards the away supporters. Their connection is not broken. Tuchel hasn't decided to give up on Bellingham yet. Yet whether Tuchel is inclined to grant him centre stage remains in doubt.