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Should Bellingham aims to earn his place once again into England’s strongest team, the smart move to do away with the nonsense. His response when he saw that the substitute board was being shown after an evening of mixed performance in the match against Albania fell short of expectations.

"I’d rather not overstate it but I hold to my words 'attitude matters' and consideration for the players who come in," Tuchel said. "Decisions are made and you have to accept it being a professional."

Bellingham has to learn. It was unnecessary for an outburst. The captain had only moments earlier made it the national team two goals ahead in a dead rubber fixture, the game had six minutes to go and Bellingham, following an inconsistent display, had just been booked for a foul on the Albanian striker. This was hardly a debatable decision. In fact it would have been unwise for the manager to not substitute him considering there was a risk Bellingham would rule himself out of the first match of the competition by receiving a second yellow card.

Drawing Attention Upon Himself

However, the player drew all eyes toward himself. There was no disguising the 22-year-old’s frustration upon understanding that he was going to make way for another player. He threw his arms up and although he shook Tuchel’s hand while heading to the sideline there was no doubt that the head coach was displeased.

This represents the hurdle that Bellingham must overcome. He praised his teammate for providing the assist for Harry Kane to nod home his second goal, but his other actions was counterproductive. There was no chance arguing was going to reverse the substitution. The coach has talked so much about respecting team hierarchies and the necessity of showing proper conduct.

In the Spotlight

He, omitted from the previous squad, is being watched carefully since coming back to the fold recently. In effect he has been on trial and he has not done himself any favours by reacting to coming off the pitch as the side wrapped up a ideal group stage by overcoming a feisty challenge from their opponents.

The Coach's Plan

It means opinions are divided on if the squad function at their best with Bellingham in the team. The performance was open to interpretation. Some new ideas were tested by the coach early on. He has provided England structure and clarity in recent months, building with a No 6, a box-to-box player, a No 10 and specialist wingers, but there was a different feel in this match. The young defender was handed his international debut, the midfielder was in the starting lineup at this level and the positioning of the defender as an auxiliary midfielder meant there was similar look to Manchester City’s team that won three trophies.

Inconsistent Display

Bellingham had ups and downs. He created an opportunity for his teammate after the break but often looked overly eager to shine. There were a lot of rushed, misplaced passes. A pointless clash with a rival player early on. England's play was messy after halftime. A scoring chance for the opponents followed Bellingham gave the ball away. His booking came after he was dispossessed by Broja and fouled Broja.

Substitutes Decide

Ultimately England’s depth made the difference. Tuchel threw on Phil Foden, who appeared better suited to the position occupied by Bellingham during the first half, and Saka. Later Saka delivered a corner for the captain to score the first goal. This served as a reminder that set pieces will play a key role next summer.

Bridge Still Stands

However, all talk was about Bellingham. The quality of Rashford’s assist for Kane’s header was a little lost in the ridiculousness of the substitution incident. After the final whistle, all eyes were on him. Tuchel came over behind him and guided the player to acknowledge the English fans. Their relationship is not damaged. Tuchel hasn't decided to give up on him at this stage. Yet whether he is willing to grant him the central position is not guaranteed.