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If Jude Bellingham aims to force his way once again into the English best squad, he would be wise to eliminate the dramatics. His response upon realizing that his number was being shown after a match of inconsistency in the match against Albania was unacceptable.

"I don’t want to overstate it but I stick to my words 'attitude matters' and respect towards the players who come in," commented the coach. "Substitutions happen and you must accept them when you're on the field."

The midfielder must understand. There was no need for a tantrum. Kane had only moments earlier made it the Three Lions leading by two in a meaningless match, there were six minutes left and Bellingham, after a below-par performance, had just been booked for bringing down Armando Broja. This could scarcely be called a questionable change. Actually it might have been reckless for the head coach to keep Bellingham on the pitch considering it was possible Bellingham would rule himself out of the first match of the competition by picking up a another booking.

Turning the Spotlight to Himself

However, the player made himself the center of attention. There was no disguising the player's annoyance when he clocked that his replacement was ready for another player. He threw his arms up and although he shook Tuchel’s hand on his way to the touchline it was clear that Tuchel did not appreciate it.

This represents the hurdle that Bellingham must overcome. He congratulated his teammate for providing the assist for Harry Kane to nod home his second of the night, but everything else was self-defeating. It is not as if protesting was going to alter the decision. The German has repeatedly emphasized respecting team hierarchies and the value of behaving correctly.

In the Spotlight

Bellingham, left out of last month’s squad, has faced close inspection after returning to the fold recently. In effect he was being assessed and he has not done himself any favours by reacting to his substitution as the side completed a perfect qualifying campaign by defeating a tough opposition from Albania.

The Coach's Plan

As a result it's unclear on how the team perform optimally when Bellingham plays. What we saw was not definitive. Some new ideas were tested from Tuchel early on. He has provided the team structure and clarity in recent months, employing a holding player, a central midfielder, a playmaker and specialist wingers, but it felt different versus Albania. Jarell Quansah was made his England debut, Adam Wharton started for the first time for England and the use of John Stones as a makeshift midfielder gave a passing resemblance to Manchester City’s 2023 treble winners.

A Game of Two Halves

His performance was inconsistent. He set up a shot for Eze during the second half but at times seemed overly eager to shine. There were a lot of poorly executed passes. There was a needless bit of aggro with a rival player at the beginning. England's play was messy after halftime. One Albania chance came after Bellingham gave the ball away. The yellow card came after he was dispossessed to Broja and fouled Broja.

Squad Strength Shows

Ultimately the bench quality was decisive. Tuchel threw on Foden, who seemed more comfortable to the spot that Bellingham had played earlier in the match, and Bukayo Saka. In time Saka provided a corner kick for Harry Kane to score the first goal. It highlighted that set pieces will be crucial at the World Cup.

Relationship Not Broken

Nevertheless, the focus was on Bellingham. The excellence of Rashford's cross for the second goal was a little lost amid the drama of the player change. When the match concluded, the focus was on him. Tuchel came over to his side and directed the Real Madrid midfielder in the direction of the travelling England fans. Their relationship is not damaged. The coach isn't ready to abandon Bellingham yet. But if Tuchel is inclined to grant him centre stage is not guaranteed.