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Should Bellingham aims to earn his place once again into the English strongest squad, it would be smart to do away with the unnecessary reactions. The way he reacted when he saw that he was about to come up after a match of uneven play in Tirana was unacceptable.

"I’d rather not make more out of it but I hold to my words 'behaviour is key' and respect towards the players who come in," stated Tuchel. "Decisions are made and you have to accept it as a player."

The midfielder must understand. There was no call for a tantrum. Harry Kane had recently scored to make the Three Lions two goals ahead in a dead rubber match, with only six minutes remaining and the player, who had not played particularly well, was just shown a yellow for bringing down the Albanian striker. This could scarcely be called a controversial substitution. In fact it might have been reckless for the head coach to not substitute him because it was possible Bellingham would make himself ineligible of the initial fixture of the competition by receiving a second caution.

Shifting Focus on Himself

However, the player drew all eyes toward himself. There was no disguising the young midfielder's disappointment as he realized that he was going to make way for another player. He threw his arms up and even though he exchanged a handshake after making his way to the sideline it was clear that the manager was not impressed.

This represents the hurdle that Bellingham must overcome. He congratulated Rashford for sending in the ball for Harry Kane to nod home his second of the night, but his other actions was self-defeating. There was no chance arguing was going to alter the decision. Tuchel has stressed repeatedly following squad protocols and the importance of acting professionally.

Facing Examination

He, not included in the previous squad, is being watched carefully after returning to the squad recently. In effect he has been on trial and his actions haven't benefited him with his response to his substitution as the side completed a flawless qualification run by overcoming a spirited effort from their opponents.

The Coach's Plan

As a result the jury is out on if the squad perform optimally when Bellingham plays. The evidence here was open to interpretation. Tuchel tried new things from Tuchel at the start. He has provided the team structure and clarity lately, using a No 6, a box-to-box player, a playmaker and specialist wingers, but there was a different feel versus Albania. The young defender was made his England debut, the midfielder was in the starting lineup at this level and the role of the defender as a part-time midfielder created a passing resemblance to the Manchester club's team that won three trophies.

A Game of Two Halves

His performance was inconsistent. He made a chance for Eze after the break but at times seemed trying too hard. Several rushed, misplaced passes. An unnecessary confrontation with a rival player at the beginning. England's play was messy after halftime. An opportunity for Albania followed Bellingham squandered possession. His caution came after he was dispossessed to Broja and brought down the attacker.

Substitutes Decide

Finally the squad's strength was decisive. Tuchel threw on Foden, who seemed more naturally fitted to the spot that Bellingham had played during the first half, and Bukayo Saka. Later Saka provided a corner kick for Harry Kane to open the scoring. This served as a reminder that dead-ball situations will be crucial at the World Cup.

Connection Remains

However, Bellingham was the story. The brilliance of Rashford's cross for the second goal was partly forgotten amid the drama of the player change. At the end, all eyes were on Bellingham. Tuchel walked up to his side and guided the player to acknowledge the English fans. Their connection is not damaged. The coach isn't ready to abandon him at this stage. But if Tuchel is inclined to give him the central position is not guaranteed.