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If Jude Bellingham hopes to earn his place back into the English best starting eleven, he would be wise to do away with the dramatics. The way he reacted when he saw that his number was going up after an evening of uneven play in the match against Albania was unacceptable.

"I’d rather not make more out of it but I hold to my words 'attitude matters' and respect towards the squad members who come in," stated Tuchel. "Decisions are made and you must accept them when you're on the field."

Bellingham has to learn. There was no call for a strop. Harry Kane had recently scored to make the Three Lions two goals ahead in a dead rubber match, with only six minutes remaining and Bellingham, following an inconsistent display, had just been booked for fouling Armando Broja. It was not a debatable decision. Indeed it would have been unwise for Tuchel to keep Bellingham on the pitch because it was possible the midfielder would be suspended of the initial fixture of the World Cup by getting a second yellow card.

Shifting Focus Upon Himself

But Bellingham made himself the center of attention. It was impossible to miss the 22-year-old’s annoyance upon understanding that he was going to make way for another player. His arms went up in exasperation and while he accepted the coach's hand while heading to the sideline there was no doubt that Tuchel was displeased.

This is the challenge for Bellingham. He congratulated Marcus Rashford for providing the assist for Kane to nod home the team's second, but his other actions was counterproductive. There was no chance complaining was going to change Tuchel’s mind. The coach has repeatedly emphasized honoring the team structure and the importance of acting professionally.

Facing Examination

The midfielder, not included in the previous squad, has been under scrutiny after returning to the team this month. Practically he was being assessed and he hasn't helped his case with his response to coming off the pitch as the national team rounded off a flawless qualification run by seeing off a tough opposition from Albania.

Tactics and Formation

As a result opinions are divided on if England function at their best with Bellingham in the team. What we saw was inconclusive. Some new ideas were tested by the coach early on. He has given the squad organization and direction lately, using a holding player, a box-to-box player, a playmaker and specialist wingers, but it felt different against Albania. Quansah was given his first cap, the midfielder started for the first time at this level and the role of John Stones as a part-time midfielder gave a similar look to Manchester City’s historic treble-winning side.

Mixed Performance

His performance was inconsistent. He made a chance for his teammate in the latter period but at times seemed trying too hard. He made many rushed, misplaced passes. An unnecessary confrontation with an Albania midfielder early on. England were ragged during most of the second period. An opportunity for Albania resulted from Bellingham gave the ball away. His booking came after he lost the ball to Broja and committed a foul on Broja.

Substitutes Decide

Ultimately the squad's strength made the difference. The coach brought on Foden, who seemed more comfortable to the spot occupied by Bellingham earlier in the match, and Bukayo Saka. In time Saka whipped in a set-piece for the captain to open the scoring. It was a reminder that set pieces will play a key role next summer.

Bridge Still Stands

Still, though, the focus was on Bellingham. The excellence of Rashford's cross for Kane’s header was partly forgotten due to the fuss of the substitution incident. At the end, all eyes were on him. The coach approached to his side and directed the player towards the travelling England fans. Their connection is not broken. Tuchel hasn't decided to discard the player just yet. But if he is willing to grant him a starring role is still uncertain.