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Should Bellingham aims to force his way into the English best squad, the smart move to eliminate the unnecessary reactions. His reaction when he saw that his number was about to come up after a match of inconsistency in the match against Albania was unacceptable.

"I don’t want to blow it out of proportion but I stand by my words 'attitude matters' and respect for the players who substitute on," stated Tuchel. "Decisions are made 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 2-0 up in a meaningless match, there were six minutes left and Bellingham, after a below-par performance, was just shown a yellow for a foul on the Albanian striker. This could scarcely be called a questionable change. Actually it would have been unwise for the manager to keep Bellingham on the pitch because there was a risk Bellingham would rule himself out of the opening game of the tournament by receiving a second caution.

Drawing Attention on Himself

However, the player turned the spotlight on himself. It was impossible to miss the young midfielder's frustration when he clocked that his replacement was ready for a teammate. He flung his arms in the air and while he accepted the coach's hand on his way to the bench it was clear that the manager did not appreciate it.

This is the challenge that Bellingham must overcome. He applauded his teammate for delivering the cross for Kane to head in the team's second, but his other actions was harmful to his cause. There was no chance protesting was going to change Tuchel’s mind. The coach has repeatedly emphasized respecting team hierarchies and the importance of behaving correctly.

Under Scrutiny

The midfielder, omitted from the team last month, has been under scrutiny upon his return to the fold this month. Practically his place has been in question and he hasn't helped his case by reacting to his substitution as the side rounded off a perfect qualifying campaign by overcoming a spirited effort from Albania.

The Coach's Plan

As a result the jury is out on how the team function at their best with Bellingham in the team. What we saw was not definitive. Some new ideas were tested from Tuchel early on. He has given England a clear system lately, employing a holding player, a central midfielder, a playmaker and dedicated wide players, but it felt different versus Albania. Quansah was handed his international debut, Adam Wharton started for the first time for England and the use of the defender as a makeshift midfielder gave a passing resemblance to Manchester City’s 2023 treble winners.

Inconsistent Display

Bellingham was a mixed bag. He made a chance for Eze during the second half but at times seemed too desperate to impress. Several poorly executed passes. An unnecessary confrontation with an Albania midfielder early on. England's play was messy after halftime. A scoring chance for the opponents resulted from Bellingham gave the ball away. His booking was shown after he was dispossessed from Broja and fouled Broja.

Substitutes Decide

Ultimately the bench quality made the difference. Tuchel introduced the Manchester City player, who looked more comfortable to the role occupied by Bellingham in the opening period, and the Arsenal winger. Eventually Saka provided a set-piece for Harry Kane to break the deadlock. This served as a reminder that corners and free-kicks will be crucial at the World Cup.

Bridge Still Stands

Still, though, all talk was about Bellingham. The quality of the winger's delivery for Kane’s header was a little lost amid the drama of the substitution incident. After the final whistle, the focus was on him. Tuchel came over from behind and pushed the player in the direction of the away supporters. Their connection remains intact. Tuchel hasn't decided to abandon him at this stage. Yet whether Tuchel is inclined to give him a starring role remains in doubt.