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For Bellingham to wants to fight his way back into England’s strongest team, it would be smart to cut out the dramatics. His response when he saw that the substitute board was about to come up following a night of mixed performance in Tirana fell short of expectations.

"I’d rather not make more out of it but I hold to my words 'conduct is crucial' and consideration for the squad members who substitute on," stated Tuchel. "Decisions are made and you need to comply as a player."

Bellingham has to learn. There was no need for a tantrum. The captain had recently scored to make the Three Lions leading by two in a meaningless fixture, the game had six minutes to go and the player, who had not played particularly well, was just shown a yellow for a foul on Armando Broja. This was hardly a debatable decision. In fact it might have been reckless for Tuchel to not substitute him considering there was a risk Bellingham would rule himself out of the opening game of the tournament by picking up a second caution.

Drawing Attention on Himself

But Bellingham drew all eyes toward himself. It was impossible to miss the young midfielder's annoyance as he realized that he was going to make way for a teammate. He threw his arms up and although he accepted the coach's hand while heading to the touchline it was obvious that the head coach did not appreciate it.

Here lies the test for Bellingham. He praised Rashford for sending in the ball for the captain to nod home the team's second, but the rest was harmful to his cause. It's not like protesting was going to alter the decision. The German has stressed repeatedly respecting team hierarchies and the necessity of behaving correctly.

In the Spotlight

Bellingham, omitted from the previous squad, has faced close inspection after returning to the squad this month. In effect his place has been in question and he has not done himself any favours by reacting to being taken off as the side wrapped up a ideal group stage by overcoming a feisty challenge from Albania.

The Coach's Plan

This implies opinions are divided on if the team function at their best including Bellingham. The evidence here was open to interpretation. There was experimentation by the coach in the beginning. Under him, England have gained England a clear system lately, building with a No 6, a No 8, an attacking midfielder and out-and-out wingers, but the approach changed against Albania. Jarell Quansah was made his England debut, Adam Wharton started for the first time internationally and the use of the defender as an auxiliary midfielder gave a passing resemblance to Manchester City’s historic treble-winning side.

A Game of Two Halves

Bellingham had ups and downs. He set up a shot for Eberechi Eze in the latter period but at times seemed trying too hard. Several poorly executed passes. An unnecessary confrontation with a rival player at the beginning. The team looked disjointed for much of the second half. A scoring chance for the opponents came after he lost the ball cheaply. His caution occurred when he lost the ball from Broja and fouled Broja.

Substitutes Decide

Ultimately the squad's strength was decisive. The coach brought on Foden, who appeared better suited to the spot occupied by Bellingham in the opening period, and the Arsenal winger. Eventually Saka delivered a corner kick for the captain to break the deadlock. This served as a reminder that dead-ball situations will be crucial at the World Cup.

Relationship Not Broken

Nevertheless, all talk was about Bellingham. The brilliance of Rashford’s assist for the second goal was a little lost due to the fuss of the substitution incident. When the match concluded, the focus was on the midfielder. Tuchel came over behind him and guided the Real Madrid midfielder to acknowledge the English fans. Their relationship remains intact. Tuchel is not willing to abandon Bellingham yet. But if Tuchel is inclined to grant him a starring role is still uncertain.