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Should Bellingham hopes to earn his place back into the English best squad, the smart move to eliminate the unnecessary reactions. His reaction after noticing that his number was going up following a night of inconsistency in the match against Albania fell short of expectations.

"I prefer not to overstate it but I stand by my words 'attitude matters' and respect towards the players who substitute on," stated Tuchel. "Choices are taken and you need to comply as a player."

Bellingham has to learn. There was no call for a tantrum. Harry Kane had recently scored to make the national team two goals ahead in a meaningless match, there were six minutes left and Bellingham, who had not played particularly well, was just shown a yellow for a foul on Armando Broja. This could scarcely be called a questionable change. Actually it might have been reckless for the head coach to leave Bellingham on because there was a chance he would be suspended of the initial fixture of the competition by receiving a second yellow card.

Shifting Focus on Himself

Yet Bellingham made himself the center of attention. It was impossible to miss the young midfielder's disappointment when he clocked that he was going to make way for a teammate. He threw his arms up and while he exchanged a handshake after making his way to the sideline there was no doubt that the head coach was not impressed.

This represents the hurdle that Bellingham must overcome. He applauded his teammate for sending in the ball for the captain to score the team's second, but the rest was counterproductive. It is not as if arguing was going to alter the decision. The coach has repeatedly emphasized following squad protocols and the importance of acting professionally.

Under Scrutiny

The midfielder, omitted from the team last month, is being watched carefully after returning to the team in the current camp. In effect his place has been in question and he has not done himself any favours with his response to his substitution as the side wrapped up a perfect qualifying campaign by defeating a feisty challenge from the Albanian team.

Tactics and Formation

This implies it's unclear on whether the team operate most effectively with Bellingham in the team. The performance was open to interpretation. Tuchel tried new things from the manager early on. He has provided the squad a clear system lately, using a No 6, a box-to-box player, an attacking midfielder and specialist wingers, but there was a different feel against Albania. Quansah was made his England debut, the midfielder was in the starting lineup at this level and the role of the defender as an auxiliary midfielder meant there was faint echo to City's 2023 treble winners.

A Game of Two Halves

Bellingham had ups and downs. He set up a shot for Eze during the second half but frequently appeared trying too hard. Several rushed, misplaced passes. An unnecessary confrontation against an opponent in the early stages. The team looked disjointed for much of the second half. An opportunity for Albania followed Bellingham gave the ball away. His caution was shown after he lost the ball to Broja and brought down Broja.

Substitutes Decide

In the end England’s depth made the difference. Tuchel introduced the Manchester City player, who appeared better suited to the role occupied by Bellingham in the opening period, and Bukayo Saka. Eventually Saka whipped in a corner kick for Harry Kane to score the first goal. It highlighted that dead-ball situations will play a key role in the upcoming tournament.

Bridge Still Stands

However, the focus was on Bellingham. The quality of Rashford's cross for the second goal was somewhat overlooked amid the drama of the Rogers substitution. At the end, the focus was on him. The coach approached behind him and directed Bellingham to acknowledge the travelling England fans. The bond between them is not broken. Tuchel is not willing to abandon Bellingham yet. Yet whether he is willing to grant him centre stage is not guaranteed.