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If Jude Bellingham hopes to earn his place once again into England’s best starting eleven, he would be wise to eliminate the unnecessary reactions. His response upon realizing that his number was about to come up following a night of inconsistency in the match against Albania fell short of expectations.

"I prefer not to blow it out of proportion but I hold to my words 'conduct is crucial' and respect for the squad members who come in," commented the coach. "Choices are taken and you have to accept it when you're on the field."

There is a lesson for Bellingham. It was unnecessary for a strop. Kane had recently scored to make the national team leading by two in an inconsequential match, there were six minutes left and he, following an inconsistent display, was just shown a yellow for bringing down an opponent. This was hardly a questionable change. Indeed it might have been reckless for the manager to not substitute him because there was a chance the midfielder would rule himself out of the opening game of the World Cup by picking up a another booking.

Turning the Spotlight to Himself

Yet Bellingham turned the spotlight on himself. There was no disguising the player's annoyance as he realized that he would be substituted for Morgan Rogers. He flung his arms in the air and although he accepted the coach's hand on his way to the sideline there was no doubt that the head coach was displeased.

Here lies the test that Bellingham must overcome. He applauded his teammate for sending in the ball for Harry Kane to head in his second of the night, but the rest was counterproductive. It is not as if arguing was going to alter the decision. The coach has talked so much about following squad protocols and the necessity of behaving correctly.

In the Spotlight

The midfielder, omitted from the team last month, is being watched carefully since coming back to the squad recently. Essentially he was being assessed and he has not done himself any favours through his behavior to being taken off as the side wrapped up a ideal group stage by overcoming a spirited effort from their opponents.

Tactics and Formation

As a result the jury is out on how England operate most effectively including Bellingham. The performance was inconclusive. Some new ideas were tested from Tuchel at the start. Under him, England have gained England a clear system over the past few matches, employing a No 6, a box-to-box player, a playmaker and specialist wingers, but it felt different against Albania. Quansah was handed his international debut, Wharton started for the first time at this level and the role of Stones as an auxiliary midfielder meant there was passing resemblance to Manchester City’s historic treble-winning side.

A Game of Two Halves

His performance was inconsistent. He created an opportunity for Eze in the latter period but at times seemed overly eager to shine. Several hurried and errant passes. There was a needless bit of aggro against an opponent early on. England were ragged for much of the second half. An opportunity for Albania followed Bellingham gave the ball away. The yellow card was shown after he lost the ball to Broja and committed a foul on Broja.

Substitutes Decide

Finally the squad's strength made the difference. The coach brought on Phil Foden, who seemed more naturally fitted to the spot that Bellingham had played during the first half, and Saka. Eventually Saka provided a set-piece for the captain to break the deadlock. This served as a reminder that corners and free-kicks are going to be vital in the upcoming tournament.

Bridge Still Stands

Still, though, Bellingham was the story. The excellence of Rashford's cross for Kane’s header was somewhat overlooked amid the drama of the Rogers substitution. After the final whistle, all eyes were on him. The coach approached from behind and guided the player to acknowledge the travelling England fans. Their connection is not broken. The coach isn't ready to give up on him at this stage. However, whether he is willing to give him the central position is not guaranteed.