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For Bellingham to wants to fight his way back into the English top starting eleven, the smart move to cut out the unnecessary reactions. His response after noticing that his number was being shown following a night of inconsistency in Tirana was unacceptable.

"I’d rather not blow it out of proportion but I stick to my words 'conduct is crucial' and respect towards the players who substitute on," commented the coach. "Substitutions happen and you need to comply as a player."

Bellingham has to learn. There was no call for a strop. Harry Kane had only moments earlier made it the national team 2-0 up in an inconsequential match, there were six minutes left and he, after a below-par performance, was just shown a yellow for fouling an opponent. It was not a debatable decision. Indeed it might have been reckless for Tuchel to leave Bellingham on given that it was possible he would make himself ineligible of the opening game of the World Cup by picking up a second caution.

Shifting Focus to Himself

However, the player drew all eyes toward himself. It was impossible to miss the young midfielder's frustration when he clocked that his replacement was ready for Morgan Rogers. He threw his arms up and while he exchanged a handshake on his way to the sideline it was obvious that Tuchel did not appreciate it.

Here lies the test for Bellingham. He praised his teammate for delivering the cross for Kane to score the team's second, but the rest was counterproductive. It's not like protesting was going to reverse the substitution. The German has talked so much about honoring the team structure and the importance of behaving correctly.

In the Spotlight

The midfielder, omitted from the previous squad, has faced close inspection after returning to the fold recently. Essentially he was being assessed and he has not done himself any favours by reacting to being taken off as the national team wrapped up a flawless qualification run by overcoming a spirited effort from their opponents.

Tactics and Formation

This implies the jury is out on how the squad function at their best when Bellingham plays. The evidence here was open to interpretation. Tuchel tried new things by the coach at the start. He has given England organization and direction over the past few matches, employing a No 6, a central midfielder, an attacking midfielder and dedicated wide players, but there was a different feel against Albania. Jarell Quansah was handed his international debut, Adam Wharton was in the starting lineup for England and the use of the defender as a part-time midfielder gave a similar look to Manchester City’s team that won three trophies.

Inconsistent Display

Bellingham had ups and downs. He made a chance for Eberechi Eze in the latter period but frequently appeared trying too hard. Several hurried and errant passes. There was a needless bit of aggro with a rival player in the early stages. England's play was messy after halftime. A scoring chance for the opponents followed he lost the ball cheaply. The yellow card was shown after an opponent took the ball to Broja and committed a foul on Broja.

Squad Strength Shows

In the end the bench quality was decisive. The coach brought on Foden, who appeared more comfortable to the position occupied by Bellingham during the first half, and the Arsenal winger. In time Saka provided a corner kick for the captain to score the first goal. It highlighted that set pieces will be crucial in the upcoming tournament.

Connection Remains

However, all talk was about Bellingham. The excellence of Rashford’s assist for the second goal was partly forgotten amid the drama of the substitution incident. When the match concluded, everyone was watching him. The coach approached from behind and guided the Real Madrid midfielder to acknowledge the travelling England fans. Their relationship is not damaged. Tuchel is not willing to abandon him at this stage. However, whether he is willing to grant him centre stage is still uncertain.