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Should Bellingham wants to fight his way once again into the English best starting eleven, he would be wise to do away with the nonsense. His response after noticing that the substitute board was going up after an evening of mixed performance in the match against Albania fell short of expectations.

"I prefer not to overstate it but I stick to my words 'attitude matters' and respect towards the players who come in," stated Tuchel. "Decisions are made and you have to accept it when you're on the field."

Bellingham has to learn. There was no need for a strop. Kane had just put England two goals ahead in an inconsequential qualifier, with only six minutes remaining and he, who had not played particularly well, was just shown a yellow for bringing down the Albanian striker. This could scarcely be called a debatable decision. In fact it would have been foolish for the manager to keep Bellingham on the pitch because it was possible Bellingham would be suspended of the opening game of the World Cup by receiving a second yellow card.

Shifting Focus on Himself

However, the player made himself the center of attention. No one could overlook the young midfielder's frustration upon understanding that he would be substituted for a teammate. He flung his arms in the air and while he shook Tuchel’s hand on his way to the touchline there was no doubt that the manager did not appreciate it.

This is the challenge that Bellingham must overcome. He applauded his teammate for sending in the ball for Harry Kane to nod home the team's second, but his other actions was harmful to his cause. It's not like complaining was going to change Tuchel’s mind. The German has stressed repeatedly following squad protocols and the importance of behaving correctly.

Under Scrutiny

Bellingham, omitted from the team last month, is being watched carefully upon his return to the team in the current camp. Essentially he was being assessed and he hasn't helped his case with his response to coming off the pitch as the side completed a flawless qualification run by overcoming a spirited effort from their opponents.

Tactics and Formation

This implies it's unclear on whether England operate most effectively including Bellingham. The performance was inconclusive. Some new ideas were tested from the manager at the start. He has provided England a clear system lately, employing a holding player, a box-to-box player, an attacking midfielder and specialist wingers, but it felt different versus Albania. Jarell Quansah was given his first cap, Adam Wharton was in the starting lineup internationally and the positioning of John Stones as an auxiliary midfielder meant there was passing resemblance to Manchester City’s team that won three trophies.

A Game of Two Halves

Bellingham had ups and downs. He created an opportunity for Eberechi Eze after the break but at times seemed too desperate to impress. He made many rushed, misplaced passes. There was a needless bit of aggro with a rival player early on. England's play was messy after halftime. An opportunity for Albania resulted from Bellingham squandered possession. The yellow card occurred when an opponent took the ball from Broja and fouled the former Chelsea striker.

Squad Strength Shows

Ultimately England’s depth was decisive. Tuchel introduced Foden, who appeared more comfortable to the role in which Bellingham operated during the first half, and the Arsenal winger. In time Saka whipped in a corner kick for Kane to break the deadlock. It was a reminder that set pieces are going to be vital in the upcoming tournament.

Connection Remains

However, all talk was about Bellingham. The brilliance of Rashford’s assist for Kane’s header was partly forgotten in the ridiculousness of the Rogers substitution. After the final whistle, everyone was watching the midfielder. The coach approached from behind and pushed the player to acknowledge the away supporters. Their relationship is not broken. The coach isn't ready to give up on Bellingham yet. But if Tuchel is inclined to grant him centre stage is not guaranteed.