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For Bellingham to hopes to fight his way back into the English top team, it would be smart to cut out the nonsense. His response upon realizing that he was being shown after a match of mixed performance in the match against Albania fell short of expectations.

"I don’t want to make more out of it but I stand by my words 'attitude matters' and respect for the players who substitute on," stated Tuchel. "Decisions are made and you have to accept it when you're on the field."

The midfielder must understand. It was unnecessary for an outburst. Harry Kane had only moments earlier made it the national team 2-0 up in a meaningless fixture, with only six minutes remaining and Bellingham, who had not played particularly well, had just been booked for a foul on Armando Broja. This could scarcely be called a controversial substitution. Indeed it would have been unwise for the head coach to keep Bellingham on the pitch because it was possible Bellingham would be suspended of the initial fixture of the competition by receiving a second caution.

Turning the Spotlight to Himself

But Bellingham turned the spotlight on himself. It was impossible to miss the young midfielder's annoyance as he realized that his replacement was ready for Morgan Rogers. He flung his arms in the air and while he accepted the coach's hand while heading to the touchline there was no doubt that Tuchel did not appreciate it.

Here lies the test that Bellingham must overcome. He praised Marcus Rashford for sending in the ball for the captain to head in the team's second, but the rest was counterproductive. It is not as if protesting was going to change Tuchel’s mind. The coach has repeatedly emphasized following squad protocols and the necessity of acting professionally.

Under Scrutiny

Bellingham, not included in the previous squad, has faced close inspection upon his return to the fold recently. In effect he was being assessed and he has not done himself any favours by reacting to being taken off as the side rounded off a ideal group stage by defeating a tough opposition from their opponents.

Tactics and Formation

This implies opinions are divided on whether the team function at their best including Bellingham. The performance was not definitive. There was experimentation from the manager in the beginning. Under him, England have gained the team organization and direction lately, employing a No 6, a No 8, a No 10 and specialist wingers, but it felt different versus Albania. Jarell Quansah was made his England debut, Wharton was in the starting lineup at this level and the role of John Stones as an auxiliary midfielder meant there was faint echo to Manchester City’s team that won three trophies.

Mixed Performance

Bellingham had ups and downs. He created an opportunity for Eberechi Eze during the second half but at times seemed too desperate to impress. He made many poorly executed passes. An unnecessary confrontation with an Albania midfielder at the beginning. England were ragged after halftime. A scoring chance for the opponents followed Bellingham squandered possession. His caution came after he lost the ball by Broja and brought down Broja.

Depth Makes the Difference

Finally the bench quality was decisive. Tuchel threw on Phil Foden, who seemed better suited to the spot that Bellingham had played during the first half, and Bukayo Saka. Later Saka provided a corner kick for Kane to score the first goal. It was a reminder that dead-ball situations will play a key role in the upcoming tournament.

Bridge Still Stands

Still, though, Bellingham was the story. The excellence of Rashford's cross for Kane's goal was somewhat overlooked in the ridiculousness of the substitution incident. After the final whistle, all eyes were on him. Tuchel walked up from behind and directed the Real Madrid midfielder towards the English fans. The bond between them is not damaged. Tuchel hasn't decided to discard him at this stage. Yet whether the coach is prepared to give him centre stage remains in doubt.