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If Jude Bellingham wants to earn his place back into the English best starting eleven, it would be smart to cut out the nonsense. The way he reacted after noticing that his number was going up after an evening of uneven play in the match against Albania fell short of expectations.

"I don’t want to overstate it but I stand by my words 'attitude matters' and respect towards the players who substitute on," stated Tuchel. "Substitutions happen and you need to comply when you're on the field."

There is a lesson for Bellingham. There was no call for a strop. The captain had only moments earlier made it the Three Lions 2-0 up in an inconsequential match, with only six minutes remaining and the player, following an inconsistent display, was just shown a yellow for bringing down the Albanian striker. This could scarcely be called a debatable decision. Indeed it would have been foolish for the head coach to leave Bellingham on considering it was possible he would be suspended of the opening game of the World Cup by receiving a another booking.

Turning the Spotlight on Himself

However, the player drew all eyes toward himself. There was no disguising the 22-year-old’s annoyance upon understanding that he was going to make way for a teammate. His arms went up in exasperation and although he shook Tuchel’s hand while heading to the touchline there was no doubt that Tuchel was not impressed.

This is the challenge that Bellingham must overcome. He praised Marcus Rashford for delivering the cross for the captain to nod home his second goal, but everything else was counterproductive. It's not like arguing was going to change Tuchel’s mind. Tuchel has repeatedly emphasized honoring the team structure and the necessity of behaving correctly.

In the Spotlight

The midfielder, omitted from last month’s squad, has been under scrutiny since coming back to the squad recently. Practically he has been on trial and he has not done himself any favours through his behavior to his substitution as the side rounded off a perfect qualifying campaign by overcoming a feisty challenge from their opponents.

Tactics and Formation

As a result it's unclear on if the squad function at their best when Bellingham plays. What we saw was not definitive. Some new ideas were tested from the manager at the start. He has provided the team organization and direction lately, building with a defensive midfielder, a box-to-box player, a playmaker and specialist wingers, but the approach changed in this match. The young defender was made his England debut, Wharton made his first start at this level and the role of the defender as a makeshift midfielder meant there was passing resemblance to the Manchester club's 2023 treble winners.

A Game of Two Halves

Bellingham was a mixed bag. He created an opportunity for his teammate after the break but frequently appeared trying too hard. Several rushed, misplaced passes. A pointless clash with a rival player early on. England's play was messy during most of the second period. One Albania chance resulted from he lost the ball cheaply. His booking occurred when he was dispossessed by Broja and committed a foul on the attacker.

Substitutes Decide

Finally the bench quality proved crucial. Tuchel introduced Phil Foden, who appeared better suited to the role occupied by Bellingham earlier in the match, and Saka. Later Saka delivered a set-piece for Harry Kane to score the first goal. It highlighted that set pieces are going to be vital at the World Cup.

Connection Remains

Nevertheless, Bellingham was the story. The brilliance of Rashford’s assist for Kane’s header was partly forgotten due to the fuss of the substitution incident. At the end, everyone was watching him. Tuchel came over from behind and pushed Bellingham to acknowledge the travelling England fans. Their connection is not damaged. Tuchel is not willing to abandon him at this stage. But if Tuchel is inclined to grant him a starring role is not guaranteed.