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For Bellingham to wants to force his way into the English top squad, the smart move to cut out the nonsense. His reaction after noticing that the substitute board was being shown following a night of mixed performance in the match against Albania was not good enough.

"I don’t want to overstate it but I hold to my words 'attitude matters' and consideration for the teammates who substitute on," stated Tuchel. "Decisions are made and you must accept them when you're on the field."

Bellingham has to learn. It was unnecessary for a strop. Kane had only moments earlier made it England 2-0 up in a meaningless fixture, the game had six minutes to go and he, who had not played particularly well, was just shown a yellow for fouling Armando Broja. This was hardly a controversial substitution. Indeed it might have been reckless for Tuchel to leave Bellingham on given that there was a risk he would make himself ineligible of the opening game of the tournament by receiving a second yellow card.

Shifting Focus Upon Himself

However, the player made himself the center of attention. There was no disguising the young midfielder's frustration as he realized that he would be substituted for another player. His arms went up in exasperation and while he exchanged a handshake on his way to the touchline it was clear that the head coach was displeased.

Here lies the test that Bellingham must overcome. He congratulated Rashford for delivering the cross for Harry Kane to score his second of the night, but the rest was counterproductive. There was no chance complaining was going to reverse the substitution. The coach has repeatedly emphasized following squad protocols and the necessity of behaving correctly.

Under Scrutiny

Bellingham, omitted from the team last month, has faced close inspection upon his return to the squad this month. Practically his place has been in question and his actions haven't benefited him through his behavior to being taken off as the national team rounded off a ideal group stage by seeing off a feisty challenge from their opponents.

The Coach's Plan

It means the jury is out on whether the squad perform optimally with Bellingham in the team. The performance was open to interpretation. There was experimentation by the coach at the start. He has given England a clear system over the past few matches, using a defensive midfielder, a central midfielder, an attacking midfielder and out-and-out wingers, but it felt different versus Albania. Jarell Quansah was made his England debut, the midfielder made his first start for England and the role of John Stones as a part-time midfielder meant there was faint echo to the Manchester club's team that won three trophies.

A Game of Two Halves

Bellingham was a mixed bag. He made a chance for Eberechi Eze after the break but often looked trying too hard. There were a lot of rushed, misplaced passes. A pointless clash with an Albania midfielder in the early stages. England were ragged during most of the second period. A scoring chance for the opponents came after Bellingham squandered possession. The yellow card came after an opponent took the ball by Broja and fouled the former Chelsea striker.

Squad Strength Shows

In the end England’s depth was decisive. The coach brought on Phil Foden, who looked more naturally fitted to the spot that Bellingham had played in the opening period, and Bukayo Saka. Eventually Saka provided a set-piece for Kane to score the first goal. It highlighted that corners and free-kicks are going to be vital in the upcoming tournament.

Bridge Still Stands

Still, though, Bellingham was the story. The brilliance of Rashford's cross for Kane’s header was partly forgotten amid the drama of the Rogers substitution. At the end, all eyes were on him. The coach approached behind him and guided the player to acknowledge the away supporters. Their connection remains intact. Tuchel is not willing to abandon the player just yet. However, whether he is willing to offer him a starring role is not guaranteed.