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For Bellingham to hopes to force his way back into the English strongest starting eleven, the smart move to eliminate the unnecessary reactions. His reaction upon realizing that he was going up after a match of inconsistency in the match against Albania was unacceptable.

"I’d rather not blow it out of proportion but I stand by my words 'attitude matters' and consideration for the squad members who come in," stated Tuchel. "Substitutions happen and you have to accept it being a professional."

Bellingham has to learn. There was no call for an outburst. Harry Kane had recently scored to make the Three Lions 2-0 up in a dead rubber fixture, with only six minutes remaining and Bellingham, following an inconsistent display, had just been booked for fouling an opponent. This was hardly a questionable change. Indeed it would have been unwise for the head coach to leave Bellingham on given that it was possible he would make himself ineligible of the first match of the tournament by receiving a second yellow card.

Turning the Spotlight on Himself

Yet Bellingham turned the spotlight on himself. No one could overlook the player's frustration upon understanding that he would be substituted for another player. He flung his arms in the air and while he exchanged a handshake after making his way to the sideline it was clear that the manager was not impressed.

Here lies the test facing Bellingham. He applauded Rashford for delivering the cross for the captain to score his second goal, but everything else was self-defeating. It is not as if complaining was going to change Tuchel’s mind. The coach has talked so much about following squad protocols and the necessity of showing proper conduct.

Under Scrutiny

The midfielder, not included in last month’s squad, has faced close inspection upon his return to the team this month. Essentially he was being assessed and he hasn't helped his case with his response to being taken off as the national team rounded off a perfect qualifying campaign by seeing off a feisty challenge from their opponents.

The System and the Setup

As a result the jury is out on how the squad operate most effectively when Bellingham plays. The evidence here was not definitive. Tuchel tried new things by the coach at the start. He has given England structure and clarity in recent months, building with a holding player, a central midfielder, a playmaker and out-and-out wingers, but the approach changed against Albania. Quansah was made his England debut, Wharton was in the starting lineup internationally and the positioning of John Stones as a part-time midfielder gave a faint echo to Manchester City’s team that won three trophies.

Mixed Performance

Bellingham was a mixed bag. He made a chance for Eze in the latter period but frequently appeared trying too hard. He made many poorly executed passes. There was a needless bit of aggro with a rival player early on. The team looked disjointed for much of the second half. A scoring chance for the opponents followed Bellingham squandered possession. His booking was shown after an opponent took the ball from Broja and fouled the former Chelsea striker.

Substitutes Decide

Finally the squad's strength was decisive. Tuchel threw on Phil Foden, who appeared better suited to the role occupied by Bellingham earlier in the match, and Bukayo Saka. Eventually Saka provided a set-piece for the captain to score the first goal. It highlighted that dead-ball situations will be crucial next summer.

Bridge Still Stands

Still, though, all talk was about Bellingham. The brilliance of the winger's delivery for Kane’s header was somewhat overlooked amid the drama of the Rogers substitution. When the match concluded, all eyes were on the midfielder. The coach approached to his side and guided the player to acknowledge the travelling England fans. Their relationship is not damaged. Tuchel is not willing to give up on him at this stage. Yet whether Tuchel is inclined to offer him a starring role remains in doubt.