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If Jude Bellingham aims to force his way once again into England’s strongest starting eleven, it would be smart to cut out the nonsense. The way he reacted upon realizing that his number was about to come up after a match of inconsistency in the match against Albania was unacceptable.

"I don’t want to make more out of it but I stand by my words 'attitude matters' and consideration for the players who enter the game," commented the coach. "Choices are taken and you have to accept it as a player."

There is a lesson for Bellingham. There was no call for a tantrum. Harry Kane had only moments earlier made it the national team leading by two in a dead rubber match, the game had six minutes to go and he, who had not played particularly well, was just shown a yellow for bringing down the Albanian striker. It was not a questionable change. Actually it would have been foolish for the head coach to keep Bellingham on the pitch considering there was a chance Bellingham would rule himself out of the opening game of the competition by receiving a second caution.

Drawing Attention Upon Himself

But Bellingham drew all eyes toward himself. It was impossible to miss the young midfielder's disappointment as he realized that he would be substituted for Morgan Rogers. He threw his arms up and while he accepted the coach's hand while heading to the touchline it was clear that the manager was not impressed.

This is the challenge facing Bellingham. He applauded Marcus Rashford for delivering the cross for Kane to nod home his second goal, but the rest was self-defeating. It's not like protesting was going to reverse the substitution. The coach has stressed repeatedly honoring the team structure and the importance of behaving correctly.

In the Spotlight

Bellingham, omitted from the team last month, is being watched carefully upon his return to the team recently. In effect his place has been in question and he has not done himself any favours through his behavior to coming off the pitch as the national team rounded off a flawless qualification run by defeating a feisty challenge from the Albanian team.

The System and the Setup

It means it's unclear on if the squad function at their best with Bellingham in the team. The evidence here was inconclusive. There was experimentation from Tuchel early on. He has provided the team organization and direction lately, building with a No 6, a No 8, an attacking midfielder and dedicated wide players, but there was a different feel in this match. The young defender was given his first cap, Wharton was in the starting lineup at this level and the positioning of Stones as a part-time midfielder created a faint echo to the Manchester club's team that won three trophies.

Mixed Performance

His performance was inconsistent. He set up a shot for Eze in the latter period but often looked trying too hard. He made many poorly executed passes. A pointless clash with a rival player at the beginning. England's play was messy for much of the second half. A scoring chance for the opponents followed Bellingham squandered possession. His booking occurred when he was dispossessed from Broja and brought down the former Chelsea striker.

Substitutes Decide

Ultimately the bench quality made the difference. The coach brought on Foden, who looked better suited to the spot in which Bellingham operated in the opening period, and Saka. Eventually Saka whipped in a set-piece for Harry Kane to break the deadlock. This served as a reminder that set pieces will play a key role at the World Cup.

Connection Remains

However, Bellingham was the story. The brilliance of the winger's delivery for the second goal was somewhat overlooked in the ridiculousness of the player change. After the final whistle, the focus was on him. The coach approached behind him and directed the Real Madrid midfielder in the direction of the English fans. The bond between them is not broken. The coach isn't ready to abandon Bellingham yet. However, whether Tuchel is inclined to grant him a starring role remains in doubt.