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If Jude Bellingham aims to fight his way once again into the English best team, it would be smart to cut out the dramatics. The way he reacted after noticing that his number was being shown after an evening of inconsistency in the match against Albania fell short of expectations.

"I don’t want to blow it out of proportion but I stick to my words 'attitude matters' and respect for the teammates who substitute on," stated Tuchel. "Choices are taken and you have to accept it when you're on the field."

The midfielder must understand. It was unnecessary for a strop. The captain had only moments earlier made it the national team 2-0 up in an inconsequential fixture, with only six minutes remaining and Bellingham, following an inconsistent display, had just been booked for fouling the Albanian striker. It was not a questionable change. Actually it might have been reckless for the manager to leave Bellingham on because there was a chance Bellingham would make himself ineligible of the first match of the tournament by receiving a second yellow card.

Shifting Focus Upon Himself

Yet Bellingham made himself the center of attention. No one could overlook the player's frustration when he clocked that his replacement was ready for a teammate. He threw his arms up and even though he accepted the coach's hand on his way to the touchline there was no doubt that Tuchel was not impressed.

This represents the hurdle that Bellingham must overcome. He praised Rashford for sending in the ball for Harry Kane to head in his second of the night, but the rest was harmful to his cause. It is not as if protesting was going to alter the decision. The German has repeatedly emphasized following squad protocols and the value of acting professionally.

In the Spotlight

He, not included in last month’s squad, has been under scrutiny since coming back to the squad in the current camp. Practically he was being assessed and he has not done himself any favours through his behavior to coming off the pitch as the side rounded off a perfect qualifying campaign by seeing off a tough opposition from Albania.

The Coach's Plan

It means opinions are divided on whether the squad function at their best when Bellingham plays. What we saw was inconclusive. Some new ideas were tested from the manager at the start. Under him, England have gained the squad structure and clarity lately, using a No 6, a box-to-box player, a No 10 and dedicated wide players, but the approach changed in this match. Jarell Quansah was handed his international debut, Adam Wharton was in the starting lineup internationally and the role of Stones as a makeshift midfielder gave a faint echo to the Manchester club's 2023 treble winners.

A Game of Two Halves

Bellingham had ups and downs. He set up a shot for Eberechi Eze after the break but often looked overly eager to shine. He made many hurried and errant passes. A pointless clash with a rival player in the early stages. The team looked disjointed after halftime. An opportunity for Albania followed he lost the ball cheaply. The yellow card was shown after an opponent took the ball to Broja and fouled Broja.

Squad Strength Shows

In the end the bench quality was decisive. Tuchel introduced Foden, who seemed more comfortable to the position occupied by Bellingham earlier in the match, and Saka. Eventually Saka provided a corner for Harry Kane to open the scoring. It highlighted that set pieces will play a key role at the World Cup.

Relationship Not Broken

Still, though, all talk was about Bellingham. The excellence of the winger's delivery for the second goal was somewhat overlooked amid the drama of the Rogers substitution. When the match concluded, all eyes were on the midfielder. Tuchel came over to his side and pushed the player to acknowledge the travelling England fans. Their relationship remains intact. Tuchel is not willing to give up on him at this stage. However, whether Tuchel is inclined to grant him a starring role is not guaranteed.