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If Jude Bellingham aims to fight his way back into England’s top squad, it would be smart to do away with the nonsense. The way he reacted after noticing that he was going up following a night of uneven play in the match against Albania was not good enough.

"I don’t want to blow it out of proportion but I hold to my words 'attitude matters' and respect for the squad members who substitute on," Tuchel said. "Decisions are made and you must accept them when you're on the field."

Bellingham has to learn. There was no need for a tantrum. Harry Kane had only moments earlier made it the national team two goals ahead in an inconsequential match, there were six minutes left and Bellingham, who had not played particularly well, received a caution for a foul on an opponent. This could scarcely be called a questionable change. Actually it would have been unwise for the head coach to not substitute him because there was a risk Bellingham would make himself ineligible of the opening game of the tournament by receiving a another booking.

Turning the Spotlight Upon Himself

However, the player turned the spotlight on himself. It was impossible to miss the player's disappointment when he clocked that he would be substituted for a teammate. He threw his arms up and although he exchanged a handshake after making his way to the bench it was clear that Tuchel did not appreciate it.

Here lies the test for Bellingham. He applauded Rashford for providing the assist for Harry Kane to nod home his second goal, but his other actions was counterproductive. It's not like complaining was going to alter the decision. The German has talked so much about respecting team hierarchies and the necessity of acting professionally.

Under Scrutiny

The midfielder, not included in last month’s squad, has been under scrutiny after returning to the squad in the current camp. In effect he was being assessed and he has not done himself any favours through his behavior to being taken off as England wrapped up a flawless qualification run by defeating a feisty challenge from Albania.

Tactics and Formation

As a result it's unclear on whether England perform optimally including Bellingham. The performance was inconclusive. Tuchel tried new things from the manager at the start. He has given England structure and clarity lately, building with a defensive midfielder, a box-to-box player, a No 10 and specialist wingers, but it felt different against Albania. Quansah was given his first cap, the midfielder was in the starting lineup at this level and the positioning of the defender as a makeshift midfielder meant there was similar look to Manchester City’s 2023 treble winners.

Mixed Performance

Bellingham had ups and downs. He set up a shot for his teammate during the second half but at times seemed overly eager to shine. Several hurried and errant passes. A pointless clash with a rival player at the beginning. England's play was messy during most of the second period. One Albania chance came after Bellingham gave the ball away. The yellow card occurred when an opponent took the ball to Broja and committed a foul on the former Chelsea striker.

Squad Strength Shows

Finally the bench quality was decisive. Tuchel threw on Foden, who seemed better suited to the spot that Bellingham had played earlier in the match, and Bukayo Saka. In time Saka whipped in a set-piece for Harry Kane to score the first goal. It highlighted that corners and free-kicks will be crucial at the World Cup.

Bridge Still Stands

However, all talk was about Bellingham. The excellence of Rashford’s assist for the second goal was partly forgotten due to the fuss of the substitution incident. When the match concluded, all eyes were on Bellingham. The coach approached to his side and directed the Real Madrid midfielder to acknowledge the away supporters. Their relationship remains intact. Tuchel is not willing to discard Bellingham yet. But if he is willing to grant him centre stage is not guaranteed.