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For Bellingham to wants to earn his place back into the English top squad, it would be smart to cut out the dramatics. The way he reacted upon realizing that his number was about to come up after a match of mixed performance in the match against Albania was not good enough.

"I don’t want to overstate it but I stick to my words 'conduct is crucial' and respect towards the squad members who enter the game," commented the coach. "Substitutions happen and you need to comply as a player."

There is a lesson for Bellingham. There was no call for a strop. Kane had just put England 2-0 up in a meaningless qualifier, the game had six minutes to go and he, after a below-par performance, was just shown a yellow for bringing down an opponent. It was not a controversial substitution. Actually it might have been reckless for Tuchel to keep Bellingham on the pitch because it was possible he would make himself ineligible of the first match of the tournament by picking up a another booking.

Shifting Focus on Himself

Yet Bellingham turned the spotlight on himself. It was impossible to miss the 22-year-old’s annoyance when he clocked that he would be substituted for another player. He threw his arms up and although he shook Tuchel’s hand while heading to the touchline it was clear that the manager did not appreciate it.

This is the challenge for Bellingham. He congratulated Marcus Rashford for providing the assist for Harry Kane to head in his second of the night, but everything else was counterproductive. It's not like arguing was going to reverse the substitution. Tuchel has stressed repeatedly following squad protocols and the importance of acting professionally.

Under Scrutiny

Bellingham, omitted from the team last month, has faced close inspection upon his return to the squad recently. In effect he has been on trial and he has not done himself any favours through his behavior to his substitution as England wrapped up a perfect qualifying campaign by overcoming a tough opposition from Albania.

Tactics and Formation

As a result the jury is out on how England function at their best with Bellingham in the team. What we saw was open to interpretation. Some new ideas were tested from the manager early on. Under him, England have gained England structure and clarity over the past few matches, using a No 6, a No 8, a No 10 and specialist wingers, but there was a different feel in this match. The young defender was handed his international debut, Wharton made his first start internationally and the use of Stones as a part-time midfielder meant there was similar look to City's 2023 treble winners.

Mixed Performance

Bellingham was a mixed bag. He created an opportunity for Eberechi Eze during the second half but at times seemed overly eager to shine. Several hurried and errant passes. An unnecessary confrontation with an Albania midfielder early on. The team looked disjointed during most of the second period. A scoring chance for the opponents came after Bellingham gave the ball away. The yellow card occurred when he was dispossessed by Broja and fouled Broja.

Substitutes Decide

Ultimately England’s depth made the difference. The coach brought on Phil Foden, who seemed more naturally fitted to the position in which Bellingham operated during the first half, and Bukayo Saka. Eventually Saka provided a corner for Harry Kane to break the deadlock. It highlighted that set pieces are going to be vital next summer.

Connection Remains

Nevertheless, Bellingham was the story. The quality of Rashford's cross for Kane's goal was partly forgotten amid the drama of the player change. When the match concluded, the focus was on the midfielder. Tuchel walked up behind him and guided the player to acknowledge the away supporters. The bond between them remains intact. Tuchel is not willing to discard the player just yet. However, whether the coach is prepared to offer him a starring role is not guaranteed.