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For Bellingham to wants to earn his place back into England’s top team, the smart move to cut out the nonsense. His reaction when he saw that his number was going up after an evening of uneven play in the match against Albania was not good enough.

"I’d rather not blow it out of proportion but I hold to my words 'attitude matters' and consideration for the teammates who substitute on," stated Tuchel. "Substitutions happen and you have to accept it being a professional."

There is a lesson for Bellingham. There was no call for a tantrum. Kane had just put England leading by two in an inconsequential fixture, the game had six minutes to go and the player, who had not played particularly well, had just been booked for a foul on Armando Broja. It was not a questionable change. Actually it would have been foolish for the head coach to keep Bellingham on the pitch because there was a risk he would be suspended of the first match of the tournament by picking up a second yellow card.

Shifting Focus on Himself

However, the player made himself the center of attention. There was no disguising the young midfielder's annoyance upon understanding that he was going to make way for another player. He threw his arms up and even though he exchanged a handshake on his way to the sideline it was obvious that the head coach was not impressed.

This is the challenge for Bellingham. He applauded his teammate for providing the assist for Kane to nod home his second of the night, but his other actions was counterproductive. It's not like protesting was going to alter the decision. The German has stressed repeatedly honoring the team structure and the necessity of showing proper conduct.

Facing Examination

He, left out of the previous squad, has faced close inspection since coming back to the squad in the current camp. Practically his place has been in question and his actions haven't benefited him with his response to coming off the pitch as England rounded off a ideal group stage by defeating a tough opposition from their opponents.

Tactics and Formation

It means opinions are divided on whether England function at their best including Bellingham. The performance was inconclusive. Some new ideas were tested by the coach at the start. He has given England a clear system over the past few matches, employing a No 6, a central midfielder, an attacking midfielder and dedicated wide players, but the approach changed in this match. Quansah was handed his international debut, the midfielder made his first start internationally and the positioning of the defender as a part-time midfielder created a similar look to the Manchester club's 2023 treble winners.

Inconsistent Display

Bellingham was a mixed bag. He set up a shot for Eze in the latter period but often looked overly eager to shine. Several hurried and errant passes. There was a needless bit of aggro against an opponent in the early stages. England were ragged after halftime. A scoring chance for the opponents came after Bellingham squandered possession. His caution came after he lost the ball by Broja and fouled the former Chelsea striker.

Squad Strength Shows

In the end the squad's strength was decisive. Tuchel threw on the Manchester City player, who seemed better suited to the spot occupied by Bellingham in the opening period, and the Arsenal winger. In time Saka delivered a corner kick for the captain to score the first goal. It was a reminder that set pieces are going to be vital next summer.

Bridge Still Stands

Still, though, the focus was on Bellingham. The brilliance of Rashford's cross for Kane's goal was a little lost in the ridiculousness of the substitution incident. When the match concluded, the focus was on the midfielder. Tuchel came over from behind and directed the Real Madrid midfielder in the direction of the travelling England fans. Their relationship is not broken. Tuchel hasn't decided to give up on Bellingham yet. But if the coach is prepared to grant him the central position is still uncertain.