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Should Bellingham aims to fight his way once again into the English best starting eleven, he would be wise to cut out the dramatics. His response when he saw that the substitute board was being shown after an evening of mixed performance in the match against Albania was not good enough.

"I’d rather not make more out of it but I stick to my words 'behaviour is key' and respect for the teammates who come in," commented the coach. "Choices are taken and you have to accept it as a player."

Bellingham has to learn. It was unnecessary for a tantrum. Kane had just put the Three Lions leading by two in an inconsequential match, the game had six minutes to go and Bellingham, following an inconsistent display, received a caution for bringing down the Albanian striker. This was hardly a questionable change. Indeed it might have been reckless for the manager to not substitute him given that there was a risk he would rule himself out of the opening game of the World Cup by picking up a second yellow card.

Drawing Attention Upon Himself

However, the player drew all eyes toward himself. There was no disguising the young midfielder's disappointment upon understanding that he was going to make way for a teammate. His arms went up in exasperation and although he exchanged a handshake while heading to the touchline it was clear that Tuchel did not appreciate it.

This represents the hurdle for Bellingham. He congratulated Rashford for delivering the cross for Kane to nod home the team's second, but the rest was counterproductive. It is not as if arguing was going to change Tuchel’s mind. The German has talked so much about honoring the team structure and the value of showing proper conduct.

Under Scrutiny

Bellingham, not included in last month’s squad, is being watched carefully after returning to the squad this month. Essentially he has been on trial and his actions haven't benefited him through his behavior to his substitution as the national team rounded off a flawless qualification run by overcoming a feisty challenge from Albania.

Tactics and Formation

As a result the jury is out on if the team perform optimally when Bellingham plays. What we saw was inconclusive. Tuchel tried new things from the manager at the start. He has provided the team structure and clarity over the past few matches, employing a holding player, a No 8, a playmaker and out-and-out wingers, but there was a different feel versus Albania. Jarell Quansah was given his first cap, Wharton was in the starting lineup at this level and the role of John Stones as an auxiliary midfielder meant there was similar look to Manchester City’s team that won three trophies.

Inconsistent Display

Bellingham had ups and downs. He set up a shot for his teammate in the latter period but frequently appeared overly eager to shine. There were a lot of rushed, misplaced passes. There was a needless bit of aggro with an Albania midfielder at the beginning. England were ragged after halftime. One Albania chance resulted from Bellingham gave the ball away. The yellow card occurred when he lost the ball to Broja and fouled Broja.

Depth Makes the Difference

Ultimately the bench quality was decisive. Tuchel threw on the Manchester City player, who appeared more comfortable to the spot in which Bellingham operated during the first half, and the Arsenal winger. In time Saka delivered a corner kick for the captain to break the deadlock. It was a reminder that dead-ball situations will be crucial next summer.

Connection Remains

Still, though, Bellingham was the story. The brilliance of Rashford's cross for Kane’s header was partly forgotten amid the drama of the Rogers substitution. When the match concluded, everyone was watching Bellingham. The coach approached behind him and pushed the Real Madrid midfielder in the direction of the travelling England fans. Their connection is not damaged. Tuchel hasn't decided to discard him at this stage. However, whether Tuchel is inclined to give him the central position remains in doubt.