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Should Bellingham aims to force his way back into England’s top starting eleven, it would be smart to do away with the nonsense. His response upon realizing that his number was going up after a match of mixed performance in Tirana fell short of expectations.

"I prefer not to blow it out of proportion but I stand by my words 'attitude matters' and respect for the players who substitute on," Tuchel said. "Substitutions happen and you need to comply when you're on the field."

Bellingham has to learn. There was no call for a tantrum. Kane had just put England leading by two in a dead rubber qualifier, the game had six minutes to go and he, who had not played particularly well, was just shown a yellow for fouling the Albanian striker. It was not a debatable decision. Indeed it might have been reckless for the head coach to keep Bellingham on the pitch because there was a risk he would rule himself out of the initial fixture of the competition by receiving a second yellow card.

Shifting Focus Upon Himself

However, the player drew all eyes toward himself. It was impossible to miss the player's annoyance when he clocked that he would be substituted for another player. He threw his arms up and while he shook Tuchel’s hand while heading to the bench it was obvious that Tuchel was not impressed.

This represents the hurdle that Bellingham must overcome. He applauded his teammate for providing the assist for Harry Kane to nod home his second of the night, but everything else was counterproductive. It is not as if complaining was going to reverse the substitution. The coach has talked so much about respecting team hierarchies and the value of showing proper conduct.

Facing Examination

He, not included in the team last month, has faced close inspection since coming back to the squad in the current camp. In effect he has been on trial and his actions haven't benefited him with his response to coming off the pitch as the national team wrapped up a ideal group stage by overcoming a spirited effort from Albania.

Tactics and Formation

This implies the jury is out on if the team perform optimally when Bellingham plays. The evidence here was open to interpretation. There was experimentation from Tuchel at the start. He has given the squad structure and clarity lately, employing a defensive midfielder, a No 8, a playmaker and dedicated wide players, but there was a different feel in this match. Quansah was given his first cap, Wharton was in the starting lineup at this level and the positioning of the defender as an auxiliary midfielder created a passing resemblance to the Manchester club's historic treble-winning side.

Inconsistent Display

Bellingham had ups and downs. He created an opportunity for Eberechi Eze during the second half but at times seemed too desperate to impress. He made many rushed, misplaced passes. An unnecessary confrontation with an Albania midfielder early on. England's play was messy after halftime. An opportunity for Albania followed Bellingham gave the ball away. The yellow card was shown after an opponent took the ball by Broja and committed a foul on the former Chelsea striker.

Substitutes Decide

In the end the squad's strength was decisive. Tuchel introduced Foden, who looked better suited to the spot in which Bellingham operated during the first half, and Bukayo Saka. Later Saka provided a set-piece for Harry Kane to score the first goal. It was a reminder that set pieces will be crucial at the World Cup.

Connection Remains

Still, though, all talk was about Bellingham. The brilliance of Rashford's cross for the second goal was a little lost due to the fuss of the player change. When the match concluded, the focus was on the midfielder. Tuchel came over behind him and directed the Real Madrid midfielder to acknowledge the away supporters. Their relationship is not broken. Tuchel hasn't decided to abandon Bellingham yet. However, whether the coach is prepared to give him the central position is not guaranteed.