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Should Bellingham hopes to force his way once again into England’s best starting eleven, he would be wise to eliminate the dramatics. His reaction upon realizing that his number was being shown after a match of mixed performance in the match against Albania was unacceptable.

"I prefer not to overstate it but I stick to my words 'attitude matters' and respect towards the players who come in," stated Tuchel. "Decisions are made and you need to comply being a professional."

Bellingham has to learn. It was unnecessary for a tantrum. Kane had only moments earlier made it the national team 2-0 up in a meaningless match, there were six minutes left and the player, who had not played particularly well, was just shown a yellow for a foul on Armando Broja. It was not a debatable decision. Actually it might have been reckless for the head coach to not substitute him because there was a chance Bellingham would be suspended of the opening game of the tournament by getting a another booking.

Drawing Attention on Himself

Yet Bellingham turned the spotlight on himself. No one could overlook the young midfielder's disappointment as he realized that he would be substituted for Morgan Rogers. He flung his arms in the air and while he exchanged a handshake on his way to the touchline it was clear that Tuchel was displeased.

This is the challenge facing Bellingham. He applauded his teammate for delivering the cross for Harry Kane to nod home the team's second, but the rest was harmful to his cause. There was no chance protesting was going to change Tuchel’s mind. The German has stressed repeatedly honoring the team structure and the importance of acting professionally.

In the Spotlight

Bellingham, not included in the previous squad, has been under scrutiny after returning to the team in the current camp. Essentially he was being assessed and he has not done himself any favours with his response to his substitution as England rounded off a flawless qualification run by seeing off a feisty challenge from Albania.

Tactics and Formation

It means opinions are divided on whether the squad operate most effectively when Bellingham plays. The evidence here was open to interpretation. Tuchel tried new things from the manager early on. He has provided the squad organization and direction lately, building with a No 6, a box-to-box player, a playmaker and dedicated wide players, but there was a different feel versus Albania. Jarell Quansah was made his England debut, the midfielder started for the first time at this level and the positioning of John Stones as a makeshift midfielder gave a faint echo to Manchester City’s team that won three trophies.

Inconsistent Display

His performance was inconsistent. He set up a shot for his teammate during the second half but at times seemed too desperate to impress. He made many hurried and errant passes. An unnecessary confrontation against an opponent at the beginning. England were ragged after halftime. An opportunity for Albania came after he lost the ball cheaply. His caution came after he lost the ball by Broja and committed a foul on the former Chelsea striker.

Squad Strength Shows

Ultimately the bench quality was decisive. Tuchel introduced the Manchester City player, who seemed more comfortable to the position in which Bellingham operated earlier in the match, and the Arsenal winger. In time Saka whipped in a corner for Harry Kane to score the first goal. This served as a reminder that set pieces will be crucial at the World Cup.

Bridge Still Stands

Nevertheless, Bellingham was the story. The quality of Rashford’s assist for Kane's goal was somewhat overlooked due to the fuss of the substitution incident. When the match concluded, all eyes were on him. Tuchel walked up from behind and pushed the player in the direction of the away supporters. Their connection is not damaged. Tuchel hasn't decided to abandon him at this stage. Yet whether the coach is prepared to offer him the central position is not guaranteed.