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Should Bellingham hopes to earn his place back into the English top starting eleven, it would be smart to cut out the unnecessary reactions. His response upon realizing that his number was about to come up after an evening of mixed performance in the match against Albania fell short of expectations.

"I prefer not to overstate it but I hold to my words 'attitude matters' and respect towards the players who enter the game," Tuchel said. "Substitutions happen and you must accept them when you're on the field."

There is a lesson for Bellingham. It was unnecessary for a tantrum. The captain had recently scored to make the Three Lions two goals ahead in an inconsequential qualifier, with only six minutes remaining and Bellingham, following an inconsistent display, received a caution for a foul on Armando Broja. This was hardly a debatable decision. Actually it would have been unwise for Tuchel to leave Bellingham on because it was possible he would make himself ineligible of the opening game of the competition by getting a second yellow card.

Shifting Focus to Himself

However, the player turned the spotlight on himself. No one could overlook the young midfielder's annoyance when he clocked that he would be substituted for Morgan Rogers. He flung his arms in the air and even though he exchanged a handshake while heading to the touchline there was no doubt that the head coach was not impressed.

Here lies the test for Bellingham. He applauded Rashford for sending in the ball for Harry Kane to nod home the team's second, but everything else was harmful to his cause. There was no chance complaining was going to alter the decision. The German has stressed repeatedly following squad protocols and the importance of behaving correctly.

In the Spotlight

He, left out of the previous squad, is being watched carefully since coming back to the squad this month. Practically his place has been in question and he has not done himself any favours through his behavior to being taken off as the side rounded off a ideal group stage by seeing off a feisty challenge from Albania.

Tactics and Formation

It means opinions are divided on whether the team perform optimally including Bellingham. The evidence here was inconclusive. Some new ideas were tested from Tuchel at the start. Under him, England have gained the team organization and direction over the past few matches, using a defensive midfielder, a No 8, an attacking midfielder and specialist wingers, but it felt different against Albania. Quansah was given his first cap, Wharton started for the first time internationally and the role of John Stones as a makeshift midfielder created a similar look to City's 2023 treble winners.

Mixed Performance

Bellingham had ups and downs. He set up a shot for his teammate in the latter period but often looked too desperate to impress. Several rushed, misplaced passes. A pointless clash with an Albania midfielder early on. England were ragged for much of the second half. An opportunity for Albania resulted from he lost the ball cheaply. His booking occurred when he was dispossessed by Broja and brought down Broja.

Squad Strength Shows

Ultimately England’s depth made the difference. Tuchel introduced the Manchester City player, who looked more comfortable to the spot that Bellingham had played during the first half, and Saka. Eventually Saka whipped in a corner kick for Kane to score the first goal. It highlighted that corners and free-kicks will be crucial at the World Cup.

Bridge Still Stands

Still, though, all talk was about Bellingham. The brilliance of Rashford’s assist for Kane’s header was partly forgotten due to the fuss of the player change. At the end, everyone was watching Bellingham. Tuchel walked up to his side and pushed the player to acknowledge the away supporters. Their relationship is not damaged. Tuchel is not willing to discard Bellingham yet. But if the coach is prepared to give him the central position is still uncertain.