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If Jude Bellingham hopes to force his way back into England’s strongest starting eleven, it would be smart to cut out the unnecessary reactions. The way he reacted upon realizing that he was being shown following a night of uneven play 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 substitute on," Tuchel said. "Substitutions happen and you have to accept it when you're on the field."

The midfielder must understand. There was no call for a strop. Harry Kane had recently scored to make the Three Lions 2-0 up in a dead rubber qualifier, there were six minutes left and Bellingham, who had not played particularly well, was just shown a yellow for a foul on Armando Broja. This could scarcely be called a questionable change. Actually it might have been reckless for the head coach to not substitute him given that there was a chance Bellingham would be suspended of the first match of the World Cup by picking up a second caution.

Drawing Attention to Himself

Yet Bellingham made himself the center of attention. There was no disguising the young midfielder's disappointment as he realized that his replacement was ready for another player. He flung his arms in the air and while he shook Tuchel’s hand after making his way to the touchline it was clear that Tuchel was displeased.

This represents the hurdle that Bellingham must overcome. He congratulated Marcus Rashford for providing the assist for the captain to score the team's second, but his other actions was self-defeating. There was no chance complaining was going to change Tuchel’s mind. The coach has repeatedly emphasized honoring the team structure and the importance of acting professionally.

Facing Examination

The midfielder, not included in the team last month, has been under scrutiny since coming back to the fold in the current camp. In effect he has been on trial and he hasn't helped his case by reacting to coming off the pitch as England wrapped up a flawless qualification run by seeing off a feisty challenge from their opponents.

The Coach's Plan

This implies the jury is out on if the team function at their best when Bellingham plays. The evidence here was inconclusive. There was experimentation from the manager in the beginning. Under him, England have gained England a clear system over the past few matches, using a defensive midfielder, a box-to-box player, a No 10 and out-and-out wingers, but there was a different feel against Albania. Quansah was given his first cap, Wharton started for the first time for England and the use of the defender as a makeshift midfielder meant there was passing resemblance to City's team that won three trophies.

Inconsistent Display

Bellingham was a mixed bag. He made a chance for Eze after the break but frequently appeared trying too hard. He made many hurried and errant passes. A pointless clash with an Albania midfielder at the beginning. England were ragged during most of the second period. A scoring chance for the opponents followed Bellingham squandered possession. His caution was shown after he was dispossessed to Broja and fouled the former Chelsea striker.

Substitutes Decide

Finally England’s depth was decisive. Tuchel threw on Phil Foden, who appeared better suited to the role that Bellingham had played earlier in the match, and Bukayo Saka. In time Saka provided a corner for Harry Kane to break the deadlock. It highlighted that set pieces will play a key role next summer.

Relationship Not Broken

Nevertheless, all talk was about Bellingham. The excellence of Rashford's cross for the second goal was partly forgotten amid the drama of the Rogers substitution. After the final whistle, everyone was watching him. Tuchel came over behind him and directed Bellingham to acknowledge the English fans. Their connection is not damaged. The coach isn't ready to give up on him at this stage. Yet whether he is willing to give him a starring role remains in doubt.