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For Bellingham to wants to force his way into the English top team, the smart move to eliminate the unnecessary reactions. His reaction when he saw that the substitute board was being shown after a match of mixed performance in the match against Albania fell short of expectations.

"I don’t want to overstate it but I stand by my words 'behaviour is key' and respect towards the teammates who enter the game," stated Tuchel. "Substitutions happen and you must accept them as a player."

The midfielder must understand. There was no need for an outburst. Harry Kane had only moments earlier made it the Three Lions leading by two in an inconsequential fixture, there were six minutes left and the player, following an inconsistent display, received a caution for fouling the Albanian striker. It was not a questionable change. Actually it might have been reckless for Tuchel to keep Bellingham on the pitch because there was a chance the midfielder would make himself ineligible of the initial fixture of the World Cup by receiving a second yellow card.

Shifting Focus to Himself

However, the player turned the spotlight on himself. No one could overlook the young midfielder's annoyance when he clocked that he would be substituted for Morgan Rogers. His arms went up in exasperation and while he shook Tuchel’s hand while heading to the bench it was clear that the manager did not appreciate it.

This represents the hurdle that Bellingham must overcome. He praised his teammate for sending in the ball for Kane to nod home his second goal, but everything else was counterproductive. There was no chance complaining was going to alter the decision. Tuchel has stressed repeatedly respecting team hierarchies and the importance of acting professionally.

In the Spotlight

Bellingham, not included in the team last month, has faced close inspection since coming back to the team in the current camp. In effect he was being assessed and he hasn't helped his case by reacting to being taken off as England wrapped up a ideal group stage by defeating a spirited effort from their opponents.

The Coach's Plan

As a result it's unclear on how the squad operate most effectively with Bellingham in the team. What we saw was inconclusive. Tuchel tried new things from Tuchel early on. He has provided the squad a clear system in recent months, employing a holding player, a central midfielder, an attacking midfielder and out-and-out wingers, but it felt different in this match. Jarell Quansah was made his England debut, Adam Wharton was in the starting lineup for England and the use of the defender as an auxiliary midfielder created a passing resemblance to Manchester City’s historic treble-winning side.

A Game of Two Halves

Bellingham was a mixed bag. He set up a shot for his teammate after the break but often looked trying too hard. Several poorly executed passes. A pointless clash with a rival player in the early stages. The team looked disjointed for much of the second half. A scoring chance for the opponents resulted from Bellingham gave the ball away. His caution occurred when an opponent took the ball by Broja and brought down the attacker.

Depth Makes the Difference

Finally the bench quality proved crucial. Tuchel threw on Foden, who appeared better suited to the position occupied by Bellingham in the opening period, and Bukayo Saka. Later Saka delivered a corner kick for Harry Kane to break the deadlock. It highlighted that set pieces are going to be vital in the upcoming tournament.

Bridge Still Stands

Nevertheless, Bellingham was the story. The brilliance of Rashford’s assist for the second goal was a little lost due to the fuss of the substitution incident. After the final whistle, the focus was on the midfielder. Tuchel walked up to his side and pushed the player in the direction of the English fans. Their relationship is not damaged. The coach isn't ready to discard the player just yet. But if Tuchel is inclined to give him the central position is not guaranteed.