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For Bellingham to wants to earn his place once again into the English top team, it would be smart to eliminate the unnecessary reactions. The way he reacted after noticing that he was about to come up after an evening of mixed performance in the match against Albania was unacceptable.

"I’d rather not blow it out of proportion but I stick to my words 'attitude matters' and respect for the squad members who substitute on," stated Tuchel. "Decisions are made and you have to accept it being a professional."

The midfielder must understand. It was unnecessary for an outburst. Kane had only moments earlier made it the Three Lions leading by two in a dead rubber qualifier, the game had six minutes to go and the player, after a below-par performance, had just been booked for a foul on an opponent. This was hardly a debatable decision. In fact it would have been unwise for the head coach to not substitute him given that there was a chance he would rule himself out of the opening game of the competition by picking up a second yellow card.

Turning the Spotlight on Himself

But Bellingham drew all eyes toward himself. It was impossible to miss the young midfielder's frustration when he clocked that he was going to make way for another player. He threw his arms up and while he shook Tuchel’s hand after making his way to the touchline it was clear that Tuchel was displeased.

This represents the hurdle facing Bellingham. He applauded Rashford for delivering the cross for Harry Kane to head in his second of the night, but the rest was counterproductive. It's not like protesting was going to alter the decision. The German has repeatedly emphasized respecting team hierarchies and the necessity of behaving correctly.

Under Scrutiny

The midfielder, not included in the team last month, is being watched carefully upon his return to the team in the current camp. Practically his place has been in question and he has not done himself any favours through his behavior to his substitution as England completed a ideal group stage by defeating a tough opposition from the Albanian team.

The Coach's Plan

This implies opinions are divided on whether England function at their best including Bellingham. What we saw was inconclusive. Some new ideas were tested from the manager at the start. He has given the team organization and direction lately, using a holding player, a box-to-box player, a No 10 and specialist wingers, but it felt different against Albania. Quansah was handed his international debut, Adam Wharton started for the first time internationally and the role of the defender as a makeshift midfielder meant there was faint echo to the Manchester club's historic treble-winning side.

A Game of Two Halves

Bellingham was a mixed bag. He set up a shot for Eberechi Eze after the break but at times seemed overly eager to shine. Several poorly executed passes. There was a needless bit of aggro with a rival player at the beginning. England's play was messy for much of the second half. A scoring chance for the opponents followed Bellingham gave the ball away. His caution was shown after an opponent took the ball from Broja and committed a foul on the former Chelsea striker.

Substitutes Decide

Finally England’s depth proved crucial. Tuchel introduced the Manchester City player, who looked more comfortable to the position occupied by Bellingham during the first half, and Saka. Eventually Saka delivered a corner kick for Kane to break the deadlock. It highlighted that corners and free-kicks will play a key role in the upcoming tournament.

Bridge Still Stands

Nevertheless, all talk was about Bellingham. The quality of Rashford’s assist for Kane's goal was somewhat overlooked amid the drama of the substitution incident. At the end, everyone was watching the midfielder. The coach approached from behind and directed the Real Madrid midfielder towards the travelling England fans. The bond between them is not broken. Tuchel hasn't decided to give up on Bellingham yet. However, whether Tuchel is inclined to offer him centre stage is not guaranteed.