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Should Bellingham aims to earn his place once again into the English best starting eleven, he would be wise to eliminate the nonsense. His response upon realizing that the substitute board was going up following a night of uneven play in Tirana fell short of expectations.

"I don’t want to make more out of it but I stand by my words 'attitude matters' and consideration for the teammates who come in," commented the coach. "Choices are taken and you must accept them as a player."

The midfielder must understand. There was no call for a tantrum. Harry Kane had only moments earlier made it the Three Lions two goals ahead in an inconsequential fixture, there were six minutes left and the player, following an inconsistent display, received a caution for bringing down Armando Broja. This could scarcely be called a questionable change. Actually it would have been unwise for Tuchel to not substitute him considering there was a risk Bellingham would make himself ineligible of the first match of the tournament by getting a second yellow card.

Drawing Attention on Himself

However, the player made himself the center of attention. There was no disguising the 22-year-old’s disappointment when he clocked that he would be substituted for a teammate. He threw his arms up and although he shook Tuchel’s hand after making his way to the touchline it was obvious that Tuchel was not impressed.

This represents the hurdle for Bellingham. He applauded his teammate for sending in the ball for the captain to head in his second goal, but everything else was self-defeating. It is not as if complaining was going to reverse the substitution. The coach has talked so much about respecting team hierarchies and the necessity of acting professionally.

In the Spotlight

He, omitted from the previous squad, has faced close inspection since coming back to the fold recently. Practically his place has been in question and his actions haven't benefited him through his behavior to being taken off as England rounded off a flawless qualification run by defeating a tough opposition from Albania.

The Coach's Plan

This implies the jury is out on whether England perform optimally with Bellingham in the team. The evidence here was inconclusive. Some new ideas were tested by the coach in the beginning. He has given England a clear system over the past few matches, employing a holding player, a central midfielder, a playmaker and specialist wingers, but it felt different versus Albania. Jarell Quansah was given his first cap, Wharton made his first start at this level and the use of John Stones as a makeshift midfielder meant there was similar look to the Manchester club's historic treble-winning side.

A Game of Two Halves

Bellingham had ups and downs. He made a chance for his teammate during the second half but often looked overly eager to shine. Several rushed, misplaced passes. An unnecessary confrontation against an opponent at the beginning. The team looked disjointed after halftime. An opportunity for Albania came after he lost the ball cheaply. His booking was shown after he was dispossessed by Broja and committed a foul on the former Chelsea striker.

Depth Makes the Difference

Ultimately the squad's strength was decisive. Tuchel introduced Phil Foden, who looked more comfortable to the position that Bellingham had played during the first half, and Saka. Eventually Saka whipped in a set-piece for the captain to score the first goal. This served as a reminder that corners and free-kicks will be crucial next summer.

Bridge Still Stands

However, the focus was on Bellingham. The quality of the winger's delivery for Kane's goal was a little lost amid the drama of the substitution incident. After the final whistle, everyone was watching Bellingham. Tuchel came over behind him and directed the player in the direction of the English fans. Their connection is not broken. Tuchel is not willing to give up on Bellingham yet. But if Tuchel is inclined to give him the central position remains in doubt.