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For Bellingham to hopes to fight his way back into the English best starting eleven, he would be wise to do away with the dramatics. His reaction after noticing that he was about to come up after an evening of mixed performance in the match against Albania fell short of expectations.

"I prefer not to blow it out of proportion but I hold to my words 'attitude matters' and respect towards the teammates who enter the game," commented the coach. "Decisions are made and you must accept them being a professional."

There is a lesson for Bellingham. It was unnecessary for a tantrum. Kane had recently scored to make England 2-0 up in a meaningless qualifier, there were six minutes left and Bellingham, following an inconsistent display, received a caution for a foul on the Albanian striker. This could scarcely be called a controversial substitution. Actually it would have been unwise for Tuchel to leave Bellingham on because it was possible Bellingham would be suspended of the first match of the World Cup by receiving a second caution.

Drawing Attention Upon Himself

However, the player turned the spotlight on himself. No one could overlook the 22-year-old’s disappointment when he clocked that his replacement was ready for a teammate. His arms went up in exasperation and while he shook Tuchel’s hand while heading to the touchline it was clear that Tuchel was not impressed.

Here lies the test that Bellingham must overcome. He applauded his teammate for sending in the ball for Kane to score the team's second, but the rest was counterproductive. It's not like arguing was going to alter the decision. The German has repeatedly emphasized honoring the team structure and the necessity of showing proper conduct.

Under Scrutiny

The midfielder, not included in the previous squad, is being watched carefully upon his return to the squad recently. In effect he was being assessed and he hasn't helped his case with his response to his substitution as England rounded off a flawless qualification run by seeing off a spirited effort from their opponents.

The System and the Setup

As a result the jury is out on whether the team perform optimally when Bellingham plays. The evidence here was inconclusive. Tuchel tried new things from the manager in the beginning. He has given England a clear system in recent months, using a holding player, a central midfielder, a No 10 and out-and-out wingers, but it felt different against Albania. Jarell Quansah was made his England debut, Adam Wharton was in the starting lineup for England and the positioning of John Stones as a makeshift midfielder meant there was similar look to Manchester City’s historic treble-winning side.

Inconsistent Display

Bellingham had ups and downs. He set up a shot for Eberechi Eze after the break but at times seemed too desperate to impress. Several rushed, misplaced passes. A pointless clash with a rival player at the beginning. England were ragged during most of the second period. An opportunity for Albania followed Bellingham gave the ball away. His caution was shown after an opponent took the ball to Broja and brought down the former Chelsea striker.

Depth Makes the Difference

Ultimately England’s depth was decisive. Tuchel introduced the Manchester City player, who appeared more comfortable to the position that Bellingham had played in the opening period, and the Arsenal winger. Eventually Saka provided a set-piece for Harry Kane to score the first goal. It was a reminder that set pieces will play a key role at the World Cup.

Relationship Not Broken

However, Bellingham was the story. The quality of Rashford’s assist for the second goal was a little lost in the ridiculousness of the player change. At the end, the focus was on Bellingham. Tuchel walked up behind him and pushed Bellingham in the direction of the English fans. Their connection is not damaged. Tuchel hasn't decided to discard the player just yet. However, whether the coach is prepared to offer him centre stage remains in doubt.