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For Bellingham to wants to force his way back into England’s top team, it would be smart to do away with the dramatics. His response when he saw that the substitute board was being shown after an evening of inconsistency in the match against Albania fell short of expectations.

"I don’t want to overstate it but I stand by my words 'attitude matters' and consideration for the teammates who enter the game," commented the coach. "Substitutions happen and you need to comply as a player."

Bellingham has to learn. There was no call for an outburst. Harry Kane had just put the Three Lions leading by two in a meaningless qualifier, with only six minutes remaining and he, following an inconsistent display, was just shown a yellow for a foul on an opponent. This could scarcely be called a debatable decision. Indeed it might have been reckless for Tuchel to not substitute him given that it was possible he would rule himself out of the first match of the tournament by getting a second caution.

Turning the Spotlight on Himself

Yet Bellingham drew all eyes toward himself. There was no disguising the player's frustration as he realized that his replacement was ready for a teammate. He threw his arms up and even though he shook Tuchel’s hand while heading to the sideline it was obvious that the head coach was not impressed.

Here lies the test for Bellingham. He praised Marcus Rashford for delivering the cross for Kane to nod home the team's second, but his other actions was counterproductive. It is not as if complaining was going to alter the decision. Tuchel has stressed repeatedly following squad protocols and the value of behaving correctly.

Under Scrutiny

The midfielder, not included in last month’s squad, has been under scrutiny after returning to the team in the current camp. In effect his place has been in question and he has not done himself any favours through his behavior to being taken off as the national team completed a perfect qualifying campaign by overcoming a feisty challenge from Albania.

Tactics and Formation

This implies the jury is out on how the squad perform optimally with Bellingham in the team. What we saw was inconclusive. There was experimentation from the manager in the beginning. He has given the squad structure and clarity lately, employing a holding player, a central midfielder, a playmaker and out-and-out wingers, but it felt different versus Albania. Jarell Quansah was given his first cap, Wharton started for the first time at this level and the role of the defender as an auxiliary midfielder created a similar look to City's historic treble-winning side.

A Game of Two Halves

Bellingham had ups and downs. He set up a shot for his teammate after the break but often looked overly eager to shine. He made many poorly executed passes. An unnecessary confrontation against an opponent in the early stages. The team looked disjointed after halftime. A scoring chance for the opponents came after Bellingham squandered possession. His caution came after he was dispossessed by Broja and brought down Broja.

Substitutes Decide

In the end England’s depth made the difference. The coach brought on Foden, who seemed better suited to the role occupied by Bellingham during the first half, and Saka. Eventually Saka delivered a corner kick for Kane to open the scoring. It highlighted that set pieces will play a key role next summer.

Relationship Not Broken

Still, though, Bellingham was the story. The excellence of Rashford’s assist for Kane’s header was a little lost amid the drama of the substitution incident. When the match concluded, all eyes were on Bellingham. The coach approached behind him and guided Bellingham towards the away supporters. The bond between them is not damaged. Tuchel hasn't decided to abandon the player just yet. However, whether he is willing to give him the central position remains in doubt.