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If Jude Bellingham hopes to force his way back into England’s best squad, it would be smart to eliminate the dramatics. His response when he saw that his number was about to come up after a match of uneven play in the match against Albania fell short of expectations.

"I don’t want to overstate it but I stick to my words 'attitude matters' and consideration for the squad members who come in," stated Tuchel. "Substitutions happen and you need to comply when you're on the field."

The midfielder must understand. It was unnecessary for an outburst. The captain had just put the Three Lions leading by two in a dead rubber match, the game had six minutes to go and he, who had not played particularly well, received a caution for fouling Armando Broja. This could scarcely be called a debatable decision. In fact it would have been foolish for Tuchel to not substitute him considering it was possible Bellingham would be suspended of the first match of the tournament by picking up a second yellow card.

Drawing Attention to Himself

But Bellingham made himself the center of attention. It was impossible to miss the 22-year-old’s disappointment as he realized that he was going to make way for another player. He flung his arms in the air and while he shook Tuchel’s hand while heading to the sideline it was obvious that the manager was not impressed.

This represents the hurdle that Bellingham must overcome. He applauded Rashford for providing the assist for Harry Kane to head in his second goal, but everything else was counterproductive. It's not like protesting was going to reverse the substitution. The coach has stressed repeatedly honoring the team structure and the necessity of acting professionally.

Facing Examination

Bellingham, omitted from last month’s squad, is being watched carefully after returning to the team in the current camp. In effect he was being assessed and his actions haven't benefited him through his behavior to being taken off as the national team rounded off a flawless qualification run by overcoming a feisty challenge from Albania.

The Coach's Plan

This implies it's unclear on how the team function at their best when Bellingham plays. The evidence here was open to interpretation. Some new ideas were tested by the coach early on. Under him, England have gained the squad a clear system in recent months, building with a holding player, a No 8, a No 10 and out-and-out wingers, but there was a different feel versus Albania. The young defender was handed his international debut, the midfielder started for the first time internationally and the use of Stones as a makeshift midfielder meant there was passing resemblance to City's team that won three trophies.

A Game of Two Halves

His performance was inconsistent. He created an opportunity for Eze in the latter period but at times seemed trying too hard. He made many hurried and errant passes. There was a needless bit of aggro with a rival player in the early stages. England's play was messy for much of the second half. An opportunity for Albania came after he lost the ball cheaply. His caution came after he was dispossessed by Broja and committed a foul on the attacker.

Substitutes Decide

Ultimately the squad's strength proved crucial. The coach brought on the Manchester City player, who seemed better suited to the role in which Bellingham operated during the first half, and the Arsenal winger. Eventually Saka delivered a corner for Kane to open the scoring. It was a reminder that set pieces will be crucial next summer.

Bridge Still Stands

Nevertheless, all talk was about Bellingham. The excellence of the winger's delivery for Kane’s header was a little lost due to the fuss of the player change. When the match concluded, the focus was on Bellingham. Tuchel walked up to his side and directed the Real Madrid midfielder towards the English fans. Their relationship is not damaged. Tuchel hasn't decided to discard him at this stage. Yet whether he is willing to give him centre stage is still uncertain.