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If Jude Bellingham aims to earn his place once again into the English strongest team, it would be smart to eliminate the unnecessary reactions. The way he reacted after noticing that he was being shown after a match of uneven play in the match against Albania was not good enough.

"I prefer not to overstate it but I stick to my words 'attitude matters' and consideration for the squad members who substitute on," Tuchel said. "Substitutions happen and you have to accept it when you're on the field."

There is a lesson for Bellingham. There was no call for a tantrum. Kane had just put the national team leading by two in a dead rubber qualifier, the game had six minutes to go and Bellingham, after a below-par performance, was just shown a yellow for fouling the Albanian striker. It was not a questionable change. Indeed it would have been foolish for the head coach to leave Bellingham on because there was a risk Bellingham would be suspended of the initial fixture of the World Cup by receiving a second yellow card.

Turning the Spotlight Upon Himself

But Bellingham turned the spotlight on himself. No one could overlook the 22-year-old’s frustration as he realized that his replacement was ready for another player. His arms went up in exasperation and even though he exchanged a handshake while heading to the touchline it was clear that the head coach did not appreciate it.

This represents the hurdle that Bellingham must overcome. He applauded Rashford for providing the assist for Harry Kane to nod home the team's second, but everything else was counterproductive. It's not like complaining was going to reverse the substitution. The coach has stressed repeatedly respecting team hierarchies and the value of acting professionally.

In the Spotlight

The midfielder, omitted from last month’s squad, has faced close inspection after returning to the fold in the current camp. Practically his place has been in question and he has not done himself any favours with his response to coming off the pitch as the national team rounded off a ideal group stage by seeing off a spirited effort from Albania.

Tactics and Formation

It means the jury is out on whether the team function at their best including Bellingham. The evidence here was inconclusive. Tuchel tried new things from the manager at the start. Under him, England have gained the squad a clear system lately, building with a No 6, a central midfielder, an attacking midfielder and out-and-out wingers, but there was a different feel against Albania. Jarell Quansah was handed his international debut, the midfielder made his first start for England and the use of the defender as a makeshift midfielder gave a passing resemblance to the Manchester club's team that won three trophies.

A Game of Two Halves

Bellingham had ups and downs. He made a chance for his teammate during the second half but frequently appeared too desperate to impress. There were a lot of poorly executed passes. There was a needless bit of aggro with a rival player at the beginning. The team looked disjointed during most of the second period. One Albania chance followed Bellingham squandered possession. His booking occurred when an opponent took the ball by Broja and brought down the former Chelsea striker.

Squad Strength Shows

Finally England’s depth proved crucial. Tuchel threw on the Manchester City player, who seemed more comfortable to the spot that Bellingham had played in the opening period, and Saka. In time Saka provided a corner kick for the captain to open the scoring. It highlighted that set pieces are going to be vital at the World Cup.

Relationship Not Broken

Nevertheless, Bellingham was the story. The quality of the winger's delivery for Kane's goal was a little lost due to the fuss of the substitution incident. When the match concluded, all eyes were on him. Tuchel walked up to his side and guided the player to acknowledge the away supporters. Their relationship is not broken. Tuchel is not willing to give up on him at this stage. Yet whether he is willing to give him a starring role is still uncertain.