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If Jude Bellingham aims to fight his way back into England’s best starting eleven, the smart move to eliminate the unnecessary reactions. His response when he saw that his number was going up after an evening of inconsistency in the match against Albania was not good enough.

"I prefer not to blow it out of proportion but I stand by my words 'behaviour is key' and respect for the squad members who come in," Tuchel said. "Decisions are made and you need to comply as a player."

Bellingham has to learn. It was unnecessary for an outburst. Kane had recently scored to make the national team 2-0 up in an inconsequential fixture, the game had six minutes to go and the player, who had not played particularly well, had just been booked for bringing down Armando Broja. This was hardly a questionable change. Indeed it would have been unwise for the head coach to leave Bellingham on considering there was a chance he would be suspended of the first match of the World Cup by getting a second yellow card.

Shifting Focus Upon Himself

But Bellingham drew all eyes toward himself. No one could overlook the young midfielder's disappointment as he realized that he would be substituted for another player. He threw his arms up and while he exchanged a handshake while heading to the touchline it was obvious that the manager was displeased.

This represents the hurdle that Bellingham must overcome. He praised Rashford for sending in the ball for Harry Kane to score the team's second, but everything else was self-defeating. It's not like protesting was going to alter the decision. Tuchel has stressed repeatedly honoring the team structure and the importance of showing proper conduct.

In the Spotlight

Bellingham, not included in the previous squad, is being watched carefully after returning to the squad recently. In effect he was being assessed and he has not done himself any favours through his behavior to being taken off as England rounded off a ideal group stage by overcoming a tough opposition from the Albanian team.

The System and the Setup

As a result it's unclear on if the squad operate most effectively when Bellingham plays. The evidence here was inconclusive. Tuchel tried new things from Tuchel in the beginning. Under him, England have gained the squad structure and clarity lately, employing a No 6, a No 8, an attacking midfielder and out-and-out wingers, but it felt different in this match. Quansah was handed his international debut, Adam Wharton was in the starting lineup at this level and the positioning of the defender as a part-time midfielder gave a faint echo to Manchester City’s historic treble-winning side.

A Game of Two Halves

Bellingham was a mixed bag. He set up a shot for Eberechi Eze in the latter period but frequently appeared overly eager to shine. He made many hurried and errant passes. An unnecessary confrontation with an Albania midfielder at the beginning. England were ragged for much of the second half. A scoring chance for the opponents resulted from Bellingham squandered possession. His booking came after he lost the ball to Broja and brought down the attacker.

Substitutes Decide

Finally England’s depth proved crucial. Tuchel introduced Phil Foden, who looked better suited to the position occupied by Bellingham earlier in the match, and the Arsenal winger. In time Saka whipped in a corner for Harry Kane to score the first goal. This served as a reminder that set pieces are going to be vital in the upcoming tournament.

Bridge Still Stands

Still, though, the focus was on Bellingham. The excellence of Rashford’s assist for Kane’s header was partly forgotten due to the fuss of the player change. At the end, all eyes were on Bellingham. Tuchel walked up to his side and guided Bellingham towards the travelling England fans. The bond between them is not damaged. Tuchel is not willing to discard Bellingham yet. But if the coach is prepared to give him a starring role is still uncertain.