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For Bellingham to aims to earn his place back into the English top team, he would be wise to cut out the dramatics. His reaction after noticing that he was being shown after a match of inconsistency in the match against Albania fell short of expectations.

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

Bellingham has to learn. There was no call for an outburst. Harry Kane had just put the national team two goals ahead in a meaningless qualifier, with only six minutes remaining and he, following an inconsistent display, had just been booked for bringing down Armando Broja. It was not a questionable change. Actually it would have been unwise for Tuchel to keep Bellingham on the pitch considering there was a chance Bellingham would make himself ineligible of the initial fixture of the competition by receiving a another booking.

Turning the Spotlight to Himself

But Bellingham made himself the center of attention. There was no disguising the 22-year-old’s annoyance when he clocked that he would be substituted for Morgan Rogers. He threw his arms up and even though he exchanged a handshake after making his way to the sideline there was no doubt that Tuchel was not impressed.

This represents the hurdle that Bellingham must overcome. He praised Rashford for sending in the ball for Harry Kane to head in his second goal, but everything else was counterproductive. There was no chance arguing was going to alter the decision. The German has talked so much about respecting team hierarchies and the value of behaving correctly.

Facing Examination

Bellingham, omitted from last month’s squad, has faced close inspection upon his return to the fold recently. In effect his place has been in question and his actions haven't benefited him with his response to his substitution as the side wrapped up a flawless qualification run by defeating a tough opposition from Albania.

Tactics and Formation

It means the jury is out on if England function at their best when Bellingham plays. The evidence here was open to interpretation. There was experimentation by the coach at the start. He has provided England organization and direction in recent months, using a No 6, a central midfielder, an attacking midfielder and dedicated wide players, but the approach changed versus Albania. Jarell Quansah was made his England debut, Wharton was in the starting lineup for England and the use of the defender as an auxiliary midfielder created a passing resemblance to the Manchester club's team that won three trophies.

A Game of Two Halves

Bellingham was a mixed bag. He created an opportunity for Eberechi Eze after the break but often looked overly eager to shine. There were a lot of hurried and errant passes. An unnecessary confrontation with a rival player at the beginning. England's play was messy during most of the second period. One Albania chance followed Bellingham squandered possession. His caution was shown after an opponent took the ball from Broja and fouled the former Chelsea striker.

Depth Makes the Difference

Ultimately the bench quality made the difference. The coach brought on the Manchester City player, who seemed more comfortable to the spot that Bellingham had played in the opening period, and Saka. In time Saka provided a corner for the captain to score the first goal. It highlighted that dead-ball situations are going to be vital next summer.

Connection Remains

Nevertheless, all talk was about Bellingham. The quality of Rashford’s assist for Kane’s header was a little lost due to the fuss of the Rogers substitution. After the final whistle, the focus was on the midfielder. Tuchel came over from behind and guided the Real Madrid midfielder in the direction of the travelling England fans. Their relationship is not broken. Tuchel is not willing to discard Bellingham yet. But if the coach is prepared to offer him a starring role is still uncertain.