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For Bellingham to wants to force his way into England’s strongest starting eleven, it would be smart to eliminate the nonsense. The way he reacted when he saw that the substitute board was about to come up following a night of inconsistency in the match against Albania fell short of expectations.

"I prefer not to make more out of it but I stand by my words 'conduct is crucial' and respect for the squad members who come in," stated Tuchel. "Choices are taken and you have to accept it being a professional."

There is a lesson for Bellingham. There was no call for an outburst. Harry Kane had just put the Three Lions two goals ahead in an inconsequential qualifier, the game had six minutes to go and Bellingham, following an inconsistent display, had just been booked for fouling Armando Broja. This was hardly a debatable decision. Actually it might have been reckless for the head coach to leave Bellingham on because there was a risk he would make himself ineligible of the initial fixture of the competition by receiving a another booking.

Drawing Attention on Himself

However, the player turned the spotlight on himself. It was impossible to miss the young midfielder's frustration upon understanding that he would be substituted for a teammate. He threw his arms up and although he exchanged a handshake after making his way to the bench it was obvious that the manager was not impressed.

This is the challenge that Bellingham must overcome. He applauded Rashford for sending in the ball for Harry Kane to head in his second of the night, but the rest was harmful to his cause. It is not as if protesting was going to change Tuchel’s mind. The coach has stressed repeatedly respecting team hierarchies and the value of behaving correctly.

Under Scrutiny

He, not included in the previous squad, has faced close inspection after returning to the squad recently. In effect he has been on trial and he has not done himself any favours with his response to his substitution as the side completed a ideal group stage by overcoming a spirited effort from their opponents.

Tactics and Formation

As a result the jury is out on if the team operate most effectively when Bellingham plays. The evidence here was open to interpretation. Some new ideas were tested by the coach at the start. Under him, England have gained the squad structure and clarity over the past few matches, employing a defensive midfielder, a No 8, an attacking midfielder and out-and-out wingers, but it felt different in this match. The young defender was handed his international debut, Adam Wharton made his first start at this level and the use of Stones as an auxiliary midfielder created a faint echo to Manchester City’s 2023 treble winners.

Mixed Performance

Bellingham was a mixed bag. He created an opportunity for Eze during the second half but at times seemed trying too hard. Several rushed, misplaced passes. There was a needless bit of aggro against an opponent at the beginning. England were ragged for much of the second half. An opportunity for Albania resulted from Bellingham gave the ball away. The yellow card occurred when an opponent took the ball to Broja and fouled Broja.

Squad Strength Shows

Ultimately England’s depth proved crucial. Tuchel threw on Foden, who appeared more naturally fitted to the position occupied by Bellingham during the first half, and Saka. Eventually Saka delivered a corner for Harry Kane to score the first goal. It highlighted that dead-ball situations are going to be vital at the World Cup.

Connection Remains

Still, though, Bellingham was the story. The excellence of Rashford’s assist for the second goal was partly forgotten amid the drama of the player change. When the match concluded, all eyes were on him. Tuchel came over behind him and directed Bellingham to acknowledge the English fans. Their relationship is not broken. Tuchel hasn't decided to discard the player just yet. But if the coach is prepared to grant him the central position is not guaranteed.