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Should Bellingham aims to earn his place once again into the English best squad, it would be smart to do away with the nonsense. His reaction when he saw that his number was going up after a match of inconsistency in the match against Albania was unacceptable.

"I prefer not to blow it out of proportion but I hold to my words 'attitude matters' and respect towards the players who enter the game," commented the coach. "Choices are taken and you need to comply when you're on the field."

There is a lesson for Bellingham. It was unnecessary for a tantrum. Harry Kane had recently scored to make England two goals ahead in a dead rubber qualifier, there were six minutes left and he, who had not played particularly well, had just been booked for bringing down an opponent. It was not a debatable decision. Indeed it would have been unwise for the manager to leave Bellingham on considering it was possible Bellingham would be suspended of the opening game of the competition by picking up a second yellow card.

Drawing Attention on Himself

But Bellingham made himself the center of attention. No one could overlook the 22-year-old’s annoyance when he clocked that he would be substituted for a teammate. His arms went up in exasperation and although he accepted the coach's hand while heading to the sideline it was clear that Tuchel was not impressed.

Here lies the test that Bellingham must overcome. He praised Rashford for providing the assist for the captain to nod home his second goal, but the rest was harmful to his cause. There was no chance arguing was going to change Tuchel’s mind. Tuchel has stressed repeatedly honoring the team structure and the importance of showing proper conduct.

Facing Examination

He, left out of the previous squad, has been under scrutiny since coming back to the team this month. In effect his place has been in question and he hasn't helped his case through his behavior to being taken off as the side rounded off a perfect qualifying campaign by seeing off a spirited effort from Albania.

The Coach's Plan

As a result opinions are divided on whether the squad operate most effectively when Bellingham plays. The performance was not definitive. Some new ideas were tested from the manager at the start. He has given the squad a clear system lately, employing a defensive midfielder, a box-to-box player, a No 10 and specialist wingers, but the approach changed in this match. Quansah was made his England debut, Adam Wharton was in the starting lineup at this level and the role of Stones as an auxiliary midfielder meant there was faint echo to Manchester City’s team that won three trophies.

Inconsistent Display

His performance was inconsistent. He created an opportunity for his teammate in the latter period but frequently appeared too desperate to impress. He made many hurried and errant passes. There was a needless bit of aggro with an Albania midfielder early on. England were ragged during most of the second period. An opportunity for Albania followed Bellingham gave the ball away. His booking was shown after he lost the ball by Broja and brought down the former Chelsea striker.

Substitutes Decide

Ultimately the bench quality was decisive. Tuchel threw on the Manchester City player, who looked more naturally fitted to the role in which Bellingham operated during the first half, and Saka. In time Saka delivered a set-piece for the captain to break the deadlock. It was a reminder that set pieces will be crucial in the upcoming tournament.

Relationship Not Broken

Still, though, Bellingham was the story. The brilliance of the winger's delivery for Kane’s header was somewhat overlooked amid the drama of the substitution incident. When the match concluded, all eyes were on him. Tuchel walked up to his side and guided Bellingham towards the English fans. Their connection is not damaged. Tuchel hasn't decided to discard him at this stage. But if the coach is prepared to grant him the central position is not guaranteed.