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Should Bellingham wants to fight his way once again into the English best team, he would be wise to eliminate the unnecessary reactions. His response upon realizing that his number was going up after a match of uneven play in Tirana fell short of expectations.

"I prefer not to overstate it but I stick to my words 'attitude matters' and respect towards the players who enter the game," stated Tuchel. "Decisions are made and you have to accept it being a professional."

The midfielder must understand. There was no call for a strop. Kane had recently scored to make the Three Lions 2-0 up in a dead rubber fixture, with only six minutes remaining and he, who had not played particularly well, received a caution for a foul on the Albanian striker. This was hardly a controversial substitution. Actually it would have been foolish for Tuchel to leave Bellingham on considering it was possible Bellingham would rule himself out of the first match of the competition by receiving a second caution.

Turning the Spotlight Upon Himself

However, the player made himself the center of attention. No one could overlook the 22-year-old’s annoyance as he realized that his replacement was ready for another player. He flung his arms in the air and while he exchanged a handshake while heading to the sideline it was clear that Tuchel was displeased.

This represents the hurdle facing Bellingham. He congratulated Rashford for sending in the ball for Kane to nod home his second goal, but everything else was counterproductive. It's not like protesting was going to change Tuchel’s mind. The coach has repeatedly emphasized following squad protocols and the necessity of showing proper conduct.

In the Spotlight

The midfielder, omitted from last month’s squad, has faced close inspection after returning to the squad recently. In effect he has been on trial and his actions haven't benefited him through his behavior to being taken off as the national team rounded off a perfect qualifying campaign by overcoming a feisty challenge from the Albanian team.

The Coach's Plan

As a result the jury is out on whether the squad operate most effectively when Bellingham plays. The evidence here was inconclusive. Some new ideas were tested from Tuchel in the beginning. He has provided England organization and direction over the past few matches, building with a holding player, a box-to-box player, a playmaker and out-and-out wingers, but there was a different feel in this match. Quansah was handed his international debut, the midfielder made his first start at this level and the use of the defender as a makeshift midfielder gave a similar look to City's team that won three trophies.

Mixed Performance

His performance was inconsistent. He set up a shot for his teammate during the second half but frequently appeared overly eager to shine. Several poorly executed passes. A pointless clash with an Albania midfielder at the beginning. The team looked disjointed during most of the second period. An opportunity for Albania followed Bellingham gave the ball away. The yellow card was shown after he lost the ball from Broja and committed a foul on the former Chelsea striker.

Substitutes Decide

Ultimately the squad's strength proved crucial. The coach brought on Foden, who looked more comfortable to the spot in which Bellingham operated earlier in the match, and the Arsenal winger. In time Saka delivered a corner for Kane to break the deadlock. It highlighted that corners and free-kicks will be crucial in the upcoming tournament.

Relationship Not Broken

Nevertheless, all talk was about Bellingham. The quality of Rashford's cross for Kane’s header was a little lost amid the drama of the player change. After the final whistle, all eyes were on him. Tuchel walked up from behind and directed Bellingham towards the travelling England fans. The bond between them remains intact. Tuchel hasn't decided to give up on him at this stage. However, whether the coach is prepared to offer him the central position is still uncertain.