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For Bellingham to wants to earn his place once again into England’s top starting eleven, it would be smart to cut out the nonsense. The way he reacted after noticing that his number was being shown following a night of uneven play in the match against Albania was unacceptable.

"I prefer not to overstate it but I stand by my words 'attitude matters' and consideration for the squad members who enter the game," stated Tuchel. "Substitutions happen and you need to comply being a professional."

The midfielder must understand. There was no call for an outburst. The captain had just put the Three Lions two goals ahead in a meaningless qualifier, there were six minutes left and Bellingham, following an inconsistent display, received a caution for a foul on Armando Broja. This could scarcely be called a controversial substitution. In fact it would have been foolish for Tuchel to not substitute him considering it was possible Bellingham would make himself ineligible of the opening game of the World Cup by picking up a second caution.

Drawing Attention Upon Himself

However, the player drew all eyes toward himself. There was no disguising the 22-year-old’s disappointment when he clocked that he was going to make way for another player. His arms went up in exasperation and although he exchanged a handshake after making his way to the sideline it was clear that Tuchel did not appreciate it.

Here lies the test for Bellingham. He praised Marcus Rashford for sending in the ball for Harry Kane to head in the team's second, but his other actions was self-defeating. There was no chance arguing was going to reverse the substitution. The coach has talked so much about respecting team hierarchies and the necessity of acting professionally.

Under Scrutiny

Bellingham, left out of last month’s squad, has been under scrutiny since coming back to the team this month. Practically his place has been in question and he hasn't helped his case with his response to being taken off as England completed a ideal group stage by defeating a spirited effort from their opponents.

Tactics and Formation

As a result it's unclear on if the squad perform optimally including Bellingham. The evidence here was open to interpretation. Tuchel tried new things by the coach in the beginning. He has provided the squad a clear system over the past few matches, building with a holding player, a central midfielder, a playmaker and out-and-out wingers, but the approach changed versus Albania. Jarell Quansah was made his England debut, Adam Wharton was in the starting lineup for England and the use of John Stones as a makeshift midfielder meant there was similar look to Manchester City’s historic treble-winning side.

Mixed Performance

His performance was inconsistent. He set up a shot for Eberechi Eze during the second half but frequently appeared trying too hard. Several rushed, misplaced passes. There was a needless bit of aggro with an Albania midfielder early on. England's play was messy during most of the second period. An opportunity for Albania followed Bellingham squandered possession. His booking came after an opponent took the ball by Broja and committed a foul on the attacker.

Depth Makes the Difference

Finally the squad's strength was decisive. Tuchel threw on Phil Foden, who appeared more comfortable to the role occupied by Bellingham earlier in the match, and Saka. Later Saka provided a set-piece for Kane to break the deadlock. It was a reminder that dead-ball situations are going to be vital in the upcoming tournament.

Bridge Still Stands

Nevertheless, all talk was about Bellingham. The excellence of the winger's delivery for Kane's goal was somewhat overlooked due to the fuss of the Rogers substitution. After the final whistle, all eyes were on Bellingham. Tuchel came over to his side and pushed the player in the direction of the away supporters. The bond between them is not broken. Tuchel is not willing to abandon Bellingham yet. However, whether Tuchel is inclined to grant him the central position remains in doubt.