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If Jude Bellingham wants to force his way back into the English best squad, it would be smart to cut out the dramatics. His response after noticing that his number was being shown following a night of uneven play in the match against Albania fell short of expectations.

"I don’t want to blow it out of proportion but I hold to my words 'attitude matters' and respect for the squad members who substitute on," commented the coach. "Decisions are made and you need to comply being a professional."

There is a lesson for Bellingham. It was unnecessary for a strop. The captain had just put the national team 2-0 up in a dead rubber fixture, with only six minutes remaining and the player, after a below-par performance, had just been booked for fouling the Albanian striker. It was not a controversial substitution. Actually it might have been reckless for Tuchel to leave Bellingham on given that there was a risk the midfielder would rule himself out of the first match of the tournament by getting a second yellow card.

Turning the Spotlight on Himself

But Bellingham made himself the center of attention. No one could overlook the player's frustration upon understanding that his replacement was ready for a teammate. He threw his arms up and even though he shook Tuchel’s hand while heading to the bench it was obvious that the head coach was not impressed.

Here lies the test for Bellingham. He applauded his teammate for providing the assist for Kane to head in the team's second, but his other actions was counterproductive. It's not like protesting was going to reverse the substitution. The coach has stressed repeatedly following squad protocols and the value of showing proper conduct.

In the Spotlight

Bellingham, omitted from last month’s squad, is being watched carefully upon his return to the team recently. Practically he was being assessed and his actions haven't benefited him with his response to coming off the pitch as England completed a perfect qualifying campaign by seeing off a tough opposition from their opponents.

Tactics and Formation

This implies opinions are divided on how England function at their best including Bellingham. What we saw was open to interpretation. Some new ideas were tested from Tuchel at the start. He has given England structure and clarity lately, employing a defensive midfielder, a box-to-box player, a playmaker and specialist wingers, but there was a different feel versus Albania. The young defender was given his first cap, Wharton started for the first time for England and the role of the defender as an auxiliary midfielder created a faint echo to City's team that won three trophies.

A Game of Two Halves

Bellingham was a mixed bag. He set up a shot for Eberechi Eze in the latter period but at times seemed overly eager to shine. He made many poorly executed passes. A pointless clash with a rival player early on. England's play was messy after halftime. An opportunity for Albania followed Bellingham squandered possession. His booking was shown after he lost the ball from Broja and brought down Broja.

Squad Strength Shows

Ultimately England’s depth proved crucial. Tuchel introduced Foden, who seemed better suited to the spot occupied by Bellingham in the opening period, and the Arsenal winger. Later Saka whipped in a corner for Harry Kane to open the scoring. This served as a reminder that set pieces will be crucial in the upcoming tournament.

Bridge Still Stands

However, all talk was about Bellingham. The brilliance of Rashford’s assist for the second goal was a little lost due to the fuss of the substitution incident. After the final whistle, the focus was on him. Tuchel walked up to his side and pushed Bellingham towards the English fans. The bond between them is not damaged. The coach isn't ready to give up on Bellingham yet. Yet whether he is willing to give him centre stage is still uncertain.