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If Jude Bellingham aims to fight his way into England’s top starting eleven, it would be smart to do away with the dramatics. The way he reacted after noticing that he was being shown after a match of inconsistency in the match against Albania was not good enough.

"I’d rather not make more out of it but I stick to my words 'conduct is crucial' and respect for the players who substitute on," Tuchel said. "Decisions are made and you have to accept it when you're on the field."

The midfielder must understand. It was unnecessary for a tantrum. Kane had just put the Three Lions two goals ahead in an inconsequential match, there were six minutes left and the player, following an inconsistent display, received a caution for bringing down an opponent. This was hardly a controversial substitution. Actually it would have been unwise for the manager to keep Bellingham on the pitch given that there was a chance Bellingham would make himself ineligible of the first match of the tournament by picking up a second yellow card.

Shifting Focus on Himself

But Bellingham turned the spotlight on himself. There was no disguising the player's annoyance as he realized that he would be substituted for a teammate. He threw his arms up and while he shook Tuchel’s hand after making his way to the sideline there was no doubt that the manager was not impressed.

Here lies the test that Bellingham must overcome. He congratulated his teammate for providing the assist for Kane to head in his second of the night, but his other actions was harmful to his cause. It's not like protesting was going to alter the decision. The German has repeatedly emphasized respecting team hierarchies and the importance of showing proper conduct.

Under Scrutiny

Bellingham, left out of the team last month, is being watched carefully after returning to the fold this month. Essentially he was being assessed and he hasn't helped his case by reacting to coming off the pitch as the side completed a ideal group stage by defeating a tough opposition from their opponents.

The Coach's Plan

It means opinions are divided on if England operate most effectively including Bellingham. The evidence here was open to interpretation. There was experimentation by the coach at the start. He has provided the team structure and clarity in recent months, building with a holding player, a box-to-box player, an attacking midfielder and out-and-out wingers, but there was a different feel in this match. Quansah was given his first cap, Adam Wharton made his first start internationally and the role of the defender as a makeshift midfielder created a similar look to City's historic treble-winning side.

Inconsistent Display

Bellingham had ups and downs. He set up a shot for Eberechi Eze in the latter period but frequently appeared too desperate to impress. Several rushed, misplaced passes. A pointless clash with a rival player early on. England were ragged during most of the second period. A scoring chance for the opponents resulted from Bellingham gave the ball away. His caution was shown after he lost the ball to Broja and brought down the former Chelsea striker.

Depth Makes the Difference

Finally the bench quality was decisive. Tuchel introduced Phil Foden, who looked better suited to the position in which Bellingham operated earlier in the match, and Bukayo Saka. Later Saka provided a set-piece for the captain to open the scoring. It highlighted that dead-ball situations are going to be vital in the upcoming tournament.

Relationship Not Broken

Still, though, all talk was about Bellingham. The quality of Rashford's cross for Kane’s header was a little lost in the ridiculousness of the Rogers substitution. When the match concluded, all eyes were on the midfielder. Tuchel came over to his side and guided Bellingham to acknowledge the travelling England fans. Their connection is not damaged. The coach isn't ready to abandon the player just yet. But if the coach is prepared to grant him the central position is not guaranteed.