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For Bellingham to aims to force his way once again into the English strongest squad, he would be wise to cut out the dramatics. The way he reacted upon realizing that his number was about to come up after a match of inconsistency in Tirana was not good enough.

"I don’t want to overstate it but I hold to my words 'attitude matters' and consideration for the players who substitute on," stated Tuchel. "Substitutions happen and you have to accept it as a player."

The midfielder must understand. There was no need for a strop. Kane had just put the Three Lions 2-0 up in a meaningless match, with only six minutes remaining and the player, following an inconsistent display, had just been booked for fouling the Albanian striker. It was not a questionable change. Indeed it would have been unwise for Tuchel to keep Bellingham on the pitch considering there was a chance Bellingham would rule himself out of the opening game of the competition by receiving a second caution.

Shifting Focus on Himself

However, the player drew all eyes toward himself. There was no disguising the player's annoyance when he clocked that his replacement was ready for a teammate. He threw his arms up and even though he exchanged a handshake on his way to the bench it was clear that the manager was displeased.

This is the challenge facing Bellingham. He congratulated his teammate for providing the assist for Kane to score the team's second, but the rest was harmful to his cause. It is not as if protesting was going to change Tuchel’s mind. Tuchel has repeatedly emphasized following squad protocols and the importance of behaving correctly.

In the Spotlight

He, omitted from the previous squad, has faced close inspection since coming back to the fold this month. In effect his place has been in question and his actions haven't benefited him through his behavior to being taken off as England completed a ideal group stage by seeing off a tough opposition from their opponents.

The System and the Setup

As a result it's unclear on how England function at their best when Bellingham plays. The evidence here was inconclusive. Some new ideas were tested from Tuchel in the beginning. Under him, England have gained the squad structure and clarity lately, using a No 6, a central midfielder, a playmaker and out-and-out wingers, but the approach changed in this match. Quansah was handed his international debut, Wharton made his first start internationally and the use of Stones as a part-time midfielder created a passing resemblance to Manchester City’s team that won three trophies.

A Game of Two Halves

Bellingham was a mixed bag. He made a chance for his teammate in the latter period but at times seemed too desperate to impress. He made many hurried and errant passes. There was a needless bit of aggro with a rival player at the beginning. England's play was messy during most of the second period. An opportunity for Albania resulted from Bellingham squandered possession. His caution came after he was dispossessed to Broja and committed a foul on the former Chelsea striker.

Depth Makes the Difference

Ultimately the squad's strength was decisive. Tuchel introduced Phil Foden, who looked more comfortable to the position occupied by Bellingham during the first half, and Saka. In time Saka whipped in a corner kick for Harry Kane to score the first goal. It was a reminder that set pieces are going to be vital in the upcoming tournament.

Relationship Not Broken

Still, though, Bellingham was the story. The brilliance of the winger's delivery for the second goal was a little lost in the ridiculousness of the player change. At the end, all eyes were on him. Tuchel walked up to his side and directed the Real Madrid midfielder towards the away supporters. Their relationship remains intact. The coach isn't ready to discard the player just yet. However, whether he is willing to grant him centre stage remains in doubt.