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Should Bellingham aims to force his way once again into the English strongest team, it would be smart to do away with the dramatics. His reaction upon realizing that he was being shown after a match of inconsistency in the match against Albania was not good enough.

"I don’t want to blow it out of proportion but I stick to my words 'attitude matters' and respect towards the players who substitute on," stated Tuchel. "Substitutions happen and you have to accept it as a player."

Bellingham has to learn. It was unnecessary for an outburst. Kane had just put England two goals ahead in an inconsequential match, with only six minutes remaining and the player, after a below-par performance, received a caution for a foul on the Albanian striker. It was not a debatable decision. In fact it might have been reckless for the manager to not substitute him because there was a risk the midfielder would make himself ineligible of the initial fixture of the competition by receiving a second caution.

Drawing Attention Upon Himself

Yet Bellingham made himself the center of attention. It was impossible to miss the player's disappointment upon understanding that he was going to make way for a teammate. He flung his arms in the air and while he shook Tuchel’s hand on his way to the sideline it was clear that Tuchel was not impressed.

Here lies the test for Bellingham. He congratulated Rashford for sending in the ball for the captain to nod home the team's second, but his other actions was counterproductive. There was no chance arguing was going to reverse the substitution. Tuchel has stressed repeatedly respecting team hierarchies and the importance of showing proper conduct.

In the Spotlight

Bellingham, omitted from the previous squad, has been under scrutiny upon his return to the team this month. Practically his place has been in question and his actions haven't benefited him by reacting to being taken off as the side rounded off a ideal group stage by seeing off a spirited effort from Albania.

Tactics and Formation

This implies opinions are divided on whether the squad function at their best including Bellingham. The performance was not definitive. There was experimentation by the coach at the start. Under him, England have gained the team organization and direction lately, building with a defensive midfielder, a box-to-box player, a playmaker and specialist wingers, but it felt different versus Albania. Jarell Quansah was handed his international debut, Wharton made his first start internationally and the role of John Stones as an auxiliary midfielder meant there was faint echo to Manchester City’s historic treble-winning side.

A Game of Two Halves

His performance was inconsistent. He created an opportunity for Eberechi Eze in the latter period but frequently appeared too desperate to impress. Several hurried and errant passes. An unnecessary confrontation with an Albania midfielder at the beginning. England's play was messy after halftime. One Albania chance resulted from Bellingham gave the ball away. His booking was shown after he lost the ball by Broja and committed a foul on Broja.

Depth Makes the Difference

Finally England’s depth made the difference. Tuchel threw on the Manchester City player, who appeared better suited to the spot occupied by Bellingham during the first half, and Saka. Later Saka provided a corner kick for Kane to open the scoring. This served as a reminder that set pieces will play a key role next summer.

Bridge Still Stands

However, Bellingham was the story. The brilliance of Rashford’s assist for Kane's goal was somewhat overlooked in the ridiculousness of the substitution incident. At the end, all eyes were on Bellingham. The coach approached behind him and pushed Bellingham in the direction of the English fans. Their relationship is not broken. The coach isn't ready to give up on Bellingham yet. But if Tuchel is inclined to give him centre stage remains in doubt.