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If Jude Bellingham hopes to force his way back into England’s best team, the smart move to eliminate the unnecessary reactions. His reaction after noticing that his number was being shown after a match of inconsistency in Tirana fell short of expectations.

"I prefer not to make more out of it but I hold to my words 'attitude matters' and respect towards the teammates who enter the game," stated Tuchel. "Substitutions happen and you must accept them when you're on the field."

The midfielder must understand. It was unnecessary for an outburst. Harry Kane had recently scored to make the Three Lions 2-0 up in an inconsequential fixture, the game had six minutes to go and he, who had not played particularly well, had just been booked for fouling Armando Broja. This was hardly a controversial substitution. Indeed it would have been foolish for Tuchel to not substitute him because it was possible he would rule himself out of the initial fixture of the competition by getting a second caution.

Shifting Focus on Himself

But Bellingham drew all eyes toward himself. No one could overlook the young midfielder's frustration upon understanding that his replacement was ready for another player. His arms went up in exasperation and although he shook Tuchel’s hand after making his way to the touchline it was clear that the manager did not appreciate it.

Here lies the test for Bellingham. He congratulated his teammate for delivering the cross for the captain to score his second goal, but his other actions was self-defeating. It's not like protesting was going to change Tuchel’s mind. The coach has talked so much about following squad protocols and the importance of acting professionally.

Under Scrutiny

He, not included in last month’s squad, is being watched carefully since coming back to the fold in the current camp. In effect his place has been in question and he has not done himself any favours by reacting to his substitution as the national team wrapped up a flawless qualification run by defeating a spirited effort from their opponents.

Tactics and Formation

This implies the jury is out on how the squad operate most effectively including Bellingham. The evidence here was not definitive. Tuchel tried new things by the coach at the start. He has provided England a clear system lately, using a holding player, a central midfielder, a playmaker and specialist wingers, but it felt different in this match. Quansah was handed his international debut, Wharton started for the first time for England and the role of Stones as a part-time midfielder meant there was similar look to City's historic treble-winning side.

Mixed Performance

Bellingham was a mixed bag. He created an opportunity for Eze during the second half but often looked too desperate to impress. He made many hurried and errant passes. There was a needless bit of aggro with an Albania midfielder in the early stages. The team looked disjointed during most of the second period. An opportunity for Albania resulted from he lost the ball cheaply. The yellow card came after an opponent took the ball from Broja and fouled the attacker.

Squad Strength Shows

In the end England’s depth made the difference. The coach brought on the Manchester City player, who looked better suited to the role occupied by Bellingham earlier in the match, and Saka. In time Saka delivered a set-piece for Harry Kane to open the scoring. It was a reminder that corners and free-kicks will play a key role at the World Cup.

Bridge Still Stands

Still, though, all talk was about Bellingham. The brilliance of Rashford's cross for Kane's goal was partly forgotten due to the fuss of the substitution incident. When the match concluded, the focus was on the midfielder. Tuchel walked up to his side and directed Bellingham towards the travelling England fans. The bond between them is not damaged. The coach isn't ready to discard him at this stage. But if the coach is prepared to offer him a starring role is not guaranteed.