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If Jude Bellingham wants to earn his place back into England’s top starting eleven, the smart move to cut out the dramatics. His response after noticing that the substitute board was being shown after a match of uneven play in the match against Albania fell short of expectations.

"I’d rather not overstate it but I stick to my words 'behaviour is key' and respect for the teammates who enter the game," commented the coach. "Choices are taken and you need to comply as a player."

There is a lesson for Bellingham. There was no call for a strop. Kane had only moments earlier made it the national team 2-0 up in a meaningless fixture, there were six minutes left and Bellingham, who had not played particularly well, had just been booked for a foul on the Albanian striker. It was not a controversial substitution. Indeed it would have been foolish for the manager to leave Bellingham on because it was possible the midfielder would be suspended of the initial fixture of the competition by receiving a second caution.

Shifting Focus to Himself

Yet Bellingham drew all eyes toward himself. It was impossible to miss the 22-year-old’s disappointment when he clocked that he would be substituted for another player. His arms went up in exasperation and even though he shook Tuchel’s hand on his way to the bench it was obvious that Tuchel was displeased.

This represents the hurdle that Bellingham must overcome. He applauded his teammate for sending in the ball for Harry Kane to nod home his second of the night, but everything else was counterproductive. There was no chance complaining was going to alter the decision. The German has talked so much about respecting team hierarchies and the value of showing proper conduct.

Facing Examination

He, not included in the team last month, is being watched carefully upon his return to the team in the current camp. Essentially he was being assessed and he hasn't helped his case through his behavior to his substitution as the national team wrapped up a ideal group stage by overcoming a feisty challenge from their opponents.

The Coach's Plan

This implies the jury is out on if the team operate most effectively when Bellingham plays. What we saw was open to interpretation. There was experimentation by the coach at the start. He has provided the team structure and clarity over the past few matches, employing a holding player, a box-to-box player, a playmaker and specialist wingers, but the approach changed versus Albania. Jarell Quansah was made his England debut, Wharton made his first start at this level and the role of the defender as a makeshift midfielder created a similar look to Manchester City’s 2023 treble winners.

Inconsistent Display

Bellingham was a mixed bag. He made a chance for Eberechi Eze during the second half but at times seemed too desperate to impress. Several rushed, misplaced passes. A pointless clash with a rival player in the early stages. England's play was messy for much of the second half. One Albania chance followed Bellingham squandered possession. His caution occurred when he was dispossessed to Broja and committed a foul on the former Chelsea striker.

Squad Strength Shows

In the end the squad's strength made the difference. Tuchel threw on the Manchester City player, who appeared more naturally fitted to the role that Bellingham had played in the opening period, and Saka. In time Saka delivered a corner kick for Harry Kane to break the deadlock. It highlighted that set pieces will play a key role next summer.

Connection Remains

However, the focus was on Bellingham. The quality of Rashford’s assist for Kane's goal was somewhat overlooked in the ridiculousness of the Rogers substitution. When the match concluded, the focus was on him. Tuchel came over from behind and directed Bellingham in the direction of the away supporters. The bond between them remains intact. The coach isn't ready to abandon him at this stage. Yet whether Tuchel is inclined to offer him the central position is not guaranteed.