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For Bellingham to aims to earn his place into the English strongest squad, it would be smart to eliminate the unnecessary reactions. The way he reacted when he saw that his number was about to come up following a night of mixed performance in the match against Albania was not good enough.

"I’d rather not blow it out of proportion but I stand by my words 'attitude matters' and consideration for the squad members who substitute on," commented the coach. "Substitutions happen and you have to accept it as a player."

Bellingham has to learn. There was no need for a strop. Kane had only moments earlier made it the Three Lions leading by two in a dead rubber match, the game had six minutes to go and he, after a below-par performance, received a caution for bringing down Armando Broja. This was hardly a questionable change. Indeed it might have been reckless for the head coach to keep Bellingham on the pitch because there was a chance the midfielder would make himself ineligible of the initial fixture of the World Cup by picking up a second yellow card.

Shifting Focus to Himself

Yet Bellingham turned the spotlight on himself. No one could overlook the 22-year-old’s frustration when he clocked that his replacement was ready for Morgan Rogers. His arms went up in exasperation and while he exchanged a handshake after making his way to the bench it was obvious that the head coach was not impressed.

Here lies the test that Bellingham must overcome. He applauded Marcus Rashford for sending in the ball for the captain to head in his second goal, but his other actions was harmful to his cause. There was no chance arguing was going to alter the decision. The German has stressed repeatedly respecting team hierarchies and the value of showing proper conduct.

Under Scrutiny

He, not included in last month’s squad, is being watched carefully upon his return to the fold recently. Practically his place has been in question and his actions haven't benefited him with his response to his substitution as the national team completed a ideal group stage by defeating a feisty challenge from their opponents.

The System and the Setup

This implies opinions are divided on how the team operate most effectively with Bellingham in the team. The performance was not definitive. Some new ideas were tested from the manager early on. He has given England organization and direction lately, employing a holding player, a No 8, an attacking midfielder and out-and-out wingers, but there was a different feel in this match. Quansah was handed his international debut, Adam Wharton was in the starting lineup internationally and the positioning of Stones as an auxiliary midfielder meant there was faint echo to City's team that won three trophies.

Inconsistent Display

Bellingham was a mixed bag. He set up a shot for Eze during the second half but at times seemed overly eager to shine. Several rushed, misplaced passes. A pointless clash with a rival player at the beginning. The team looked disjointed after halftime. An opportunity for Albania came after he lost the ball cheaply. His caution occurred when he lost the ball from Broja and brought down Broja.

Substitutes Decide

In the end the bench quality was decisive. Tuchel threw on Phil Foden, who seemed more comfortable to the position that Bellingham had played during the first half, and Saka. Later Saka delivered a set-piece for Kane to open the scoring. It was a reminder that corners and free-kicks will play a key role in the upcoming tournament.

Relationship Not Broken

However, Bellingham was the story. The excellence of Rashford's cross for Kane's goal was partly forgotten amid the drama of the substitution incident. After the final whistle, everyone was watching the midfielder. Tuchel came over from behind and directed Bellingham towards the travelling England fans. Their relationship remains intact. Tuchel is not willing to give up on Bellingham yet. But if he is willing to grant him the central position is still uncertain.