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Should Bellingham hopes to earn his place back into the English best starting eleven, he would be wise to eliminate the dramatics. His reaction upon realizing that he was about to come up after a match of uneven play in the match against Albania was unacceptable.

"I’d rather not make more out of it but I hold to my words 'conduct is crucial' and consideration for the players who enter the game," commented the coach. "Decisions are made and you must accept them as a player."

Bellingham has to learn. It was unnecessary for an outburst. Harry Kane had recently scored to make England two goals ahead in an inconsequential qualifier, there were six minutes left and he, after a below-par performance, was just shown a yellow for fouling the Albanian striker. This was hardly a controversial substitution. Actually it would have been foolish for the head coach to not substitute him considering there was a risk Bellingham would be suspended of the first match of the World Cup by picking up a second yellow card.

Shifting Focus on Himself

Yet Bellingham made himself the center of attention. It was impossible to miss the 22-year-old’s annoyance when he clocked that his replacement was ready for a teammate. He threw his arms up and even though he accepted the coach's hand while heading to the bench it was clear that Tuchel was displeased.

Here lies the test for Bellingham. He praised Rashford for delivering the cross for Kane to nod home his second goal, but his other actions was counterproductive. There was no chance complaining was going to reverse the substitution. Tuchel has stressed repeatedly following squad protocols and the necessity of acting professionally.

Facing Examination

He, omitted from last month’s squad, is being watched carefully upon his return to the squad recently. Essentially he has been on trial and he hasn't helped his case with his response to coming off the pitch as England completed a flawless qualification run by defeating a spirited effort from Albania.

The Coach's Plan

This implies opinions are divided on if the team operate most effectively including Bellingham. The performance was inconclusive. Some new ideas were tested from the manager early on. He has given England structure and clarity lately, using a No 6, a No 8, an attacking midfielder and out-and-out wingers, but it felt different in this match. Quansah was given his first cap, the midfielder was in the starting lineup internationally and the use of the defender as a part-time midfielder meant there was passing resemblance to City's historic treble-winning side.

A Game of Two Halves

Bellingham had ups and downs. He made a chance for Eze in the latter period but at times seemed too desperate to impress. There were a lot of rushed, misplaced passes. A pointless clash with a rival player early on. The team looked disjointed during most of the second period. One Albania chance followed Bellingham gave the ball away. His booking occurred when an opponent took the ball by Broja and committed a foul on the former Chelsea striker.

Squad Strength Shows

Finally England’s depth made the difference. Tuchel threw on Phil Foden, who seemed more comfortable to the role that Bellingham had played in the opening period, and the Arsenal winger. Eventually Saka delivered a set-piece for the captain to score the first goal. It was a reminder that set pieces will play a key role in the upcoming tournament.

Bridge Still Stands

Still, though, Bellingham was the story. The excellence of Rashford’s assist for the second goal was a little lost in the ridiculousness of the player change. At the end, the focus was on the midfielder. Tuchel walked up to his side and guided the player in the direction of the away supporters. Their connection is not damaged. Tuchel hasn't decided to discard the player just yet. Yet whether the coach is prepared to offer him the central position is still uncertain.