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If Jude Bellingham hopes to fight his way back into England’s top squad, it would be smart to eliminate the unnecessary reactions. His reaction upon realizing that the substitute board was about to come up after a match of mixed performance in the match against Albania fell short of expectations.

"I’d rather not blow it out of proportion but I stand by my words 'attitude matters' and consideration for the players who enter the game," commented the coach. "Decisions are made and you have to accept it as a player."

Bellingham has to learn. There was no call for an outburst. The captain had only moments earlier made it the national team two goals ahead in an inconsequential match, with only six minutes remaining and he, following an inconsistent display, had just been booked for a foul on Armando Broja. This was hardly a debatable decision. In fact it might have been reckless for the manager to not substitute him considering it was possible the midfielder would rule himself out of the initial fixture of the tournament by picking up a another booking.

Drawing Attention on Himself

Yet Bellingham drew all eyes toward himself. There was no disguising the 22-year-old’s disappointment when he clocked that he would be substituted for Morgan Rogers. He flung his arms in the air and although he exchanged a handshake while heading to the touchline it was obvious that Tuchel was displeased.

Here lies the test that Bellingham must overcome. He congratulated Marcus Rashford for providing the assist for the captain to score the team's second, but everything else was harmful to his cause. It's not like arguing was going to change Tuchel’s mind. Tuchel has repeatedly emphasized honoring the team structure and the importance of behaving correctly.

Facing Examination

Bellingham, left out of the team last month, has faced close inspection since coming back to the team recently. In effect he was being assessed and he has not done himself any favours through his behavior to his substitution as the national team wrapped up a perfect qualifying campaign by overcoming a feisty challenge from their opponents.

The Coach's Plan

It means opinions are divided on if the team perform optimally when Bellingham plays. What we saw was not definitive. Tuchel tried new things by the coach at the start. He has provided the team a clear system over the past few matches, building with a No 6, a box-to-box player, a playmaker and dedicated wide players, but there was a different feel versus Albania. Quansah was made his England debut, Adam Wharton was in the starting lineup for England and the role of the defender as a part-time midfielder meant there was similar look to the Manchester club's team that won three trophies.

Inconsistent Display

Bellingham was a mixed bag. He set up a shot for Eberechi Eze in the latter period but at times seemed trying too hard. He made many poorly executed passes. A pointless clash with a rival player early on. The team looked disjointed during most of the second period. One Albania chance resulted from he lost the ball cheaply. His booking came after he was dispossessed from Broja and brought down Broja.

Substitutes Decide

Finally the bench quality made the difference. Tuchel introduced Phil Foden, who looked more naturally fitted to the spot occupied by Bellingham during the first half, and Saka. In time Saka provided a set-piece for the captain to break the deadlock. It was a reminder that dead-ball situations are going to be vital next summer.

Connection Remains

Nevertheless, all talk was about Bellingham. The excellence of Rashford's cross for the second goal was somewhat overlooked in the ridiculousness of the player change. When the match concluded, all eyes were on Bellingham. Tuchel came over behind him and directed Bellingham to acknowledge the travelling England fans. The bond between them is not damaged. Tuchel hasn't decided to discard Bellingham yet. But if he is willing to grant him the central position is not guaranteed.