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If Jude Bellingham wants to earn his place back into England’s best team, he would be wise to eliminate the unnecessary reactions. His reaction upon realizing that the substitute board was being shown after an evening of mixed performance in Tirana fell short of expectations.

"I’d rather not make more out of it but I stick to my words 'behaviour is key' and respect for the squad members who substitute on," Tuchel said. "Substitutions happen and you must accept them when you're on the field."

Bellingham has to learn. There was no need for a strop. The captain had just put England two goals ahead in a meaningless qualifier, with only six minutes remaining and he, after a below-par performance, had just been booked for a foul on Armando Broja. It was not a controversial substitution. Indeed it would have been unwise for the manager to leave Bellingham on given that there was a chance Bellingham would make himself ineligible of the opening game of the tournament by getting a second caution.

Shifting Focus to Himself

Yet Bellingham made himself the center of attention. It was impossible to miss the young midfielder's disappointment upon understanding that his replacement was ready for another player. His arms went up in exasperation and even though he accepted the coach's hand on his way to the touchline it was obvious that the manager was not impressed.

This represents the hurdle that Bellingham must overcome. He congratulated Rashford for delivering the cross for Kane to head in his second of the night, but his other actions was self-defeating. It's not like complaining was going to change Tuchel’s mind. Tuchel has stressed repeatedly following squad protocols and the value of acting professionally.

Facing Examination

Bellingham, omitted from last month’s squad, has faced close inspection after returning to the squad this month. Practically he was being assessed and he hasn't helped his case through his behavior to his substitution as the side wrapped up a perfect qualifying campaign by overcoming a feisty challenge from their opponents.

The Coach's Plan

It means it's unclear on how the squad operate most effectively with Bellingham in the team. The performance was not definitive. Some new ideas were tested from Tuchel early on. Under him, England have gained the team structure and clarity lately, using a holding player, a central midfielder, a playmaker and specialist wingers, but there was a different feel in this match. The young defender was made his England debut, Adam Wharton started for the first time for England and the role of John Stones as a part-time midfielder meant there was passing resemblance to Manchester City’s team that won three trophies.

Mixed Performance

His performance was inconsistent. He made a chance for Eze in the latter period but often looked trying too hard. There were a lot of rushed, misplaced passes. An unnecessary confrontation with a rival player early on. England's play was messy for much of the second half. A scoring chance for the opponents came after Bellingham gave the ball away. The yellow card occurred when he was dispossessed to Broja and brought down Broja.

Substitutes Decide

Ultimately the bench quality proved crucial. Tuchel introduced the Manchester City player, who looked more comfortable to the spot occupied by Bellingham in the opening period, and Saka. In time Saka provided a corner kick for Kane to break the deadlock. It was a reminder that set pieces will play a key role next summer.

Connection Remains

Nevertheless, Bellingham was the story. The brilliance of Rashford’s assist for Kane’s header was a little lost due to the fuss of the substitution incident. After the final whistle, all eyes were on him. Tuchel came over to his side and guided the player in the direction of the away supporters. Their relationship is not damaged. Tuchel hasn't decided to give up on the player just yet. Yet whether Tuchel is inclined to give him the central position is still uncertain.