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Should Bellingham wants to force his way once again into the English best team, he would be wise to eliminate the dramatics. The way he reacted after noticing that his number was going up after a match of inconsistency in Tirana was unacceptable.

"I prefer not to overstate it but I stick to my words 'conduct is crucial' and consideration for the players who enter the game," stated Tuchel. "Substitutions happen and you need to comply being a professional."

There is a lesson for Bellingham. There was no call for a strop. Harry Kane had only moments earlier made it the national team two goals ahead in a meaningless qualifier, the game had six minutes to go and he, after a below-par performance, was just shown a yellow for fouling the Albanian striker. This could scarcely be called a controversial substitution. Indeed it would have been foolish for the manager to keep Bellingham on the pitch given that there was a chance the midfielder would make himself ineligible of the first match of the competition by getting a second yellow card.

Shifting Focus on Himself

But Bellingham drew all eyes toward himself. No one could overlook the 22-year-old’s disappointment upon understanding that his replacement was ready for another player. His arms went up in exasperation and even though he shook Tuchel’s hand on his way to the touchline there was no doubt that the head coach was displeased.

This represents the hurdle that Bellingham must overcome. He applauded Marcus Rashford for sending in the ball for Kane to score his second goal, but his other actions was counterproductive. It is not as if arguing was going to alter the decision. The coach has talked so much about honoring the team structure and the value of behaving correctly.

Facing Examination

Bellingham, left out of the team last month, is being watched carefully upon his return to the team in the current camp. In effect he has been on trial and his actions haven't benefited him with his response to his substitution as the side rounded off a flawless qualification run by defeating a feisty challenge from the Albanian team.

The System and the Setup

As a result it's unclear on if England function at their best including Bellingham. The evidence here was not definitive. Tuchel tried new things by the coach at the start. He has given England organization and direction lately, using a No 6, a box-to-box player, a playmaker and dedicated wide players, but there was a different feel in this match. Jarell Quansah was handed his international debut, the midfielder made his first start for England and the use of John Stones as a makeshift midfielder meant there was similar look to Manchester City’s historic treble-winning side.

Mixed Performance

His performance was inconsistent. He made a chance for Eberechi Eze during the second half but often looked overly eager to shine. There were a lot of poorly executed passes. There was a needless bit of aggro with an Albania midfielder in the early stages. England were ragged after halftime. A scoring chance for the opponents followed Bellingham gave the ball away. His caution came after an opponent took the ball from Broja and committed a foul on Broja.

Squad Strength Shows

Ultimately England’s depth was decisive. Tuchel threw on Phil Foden, who seemed better suited to the spot occupied by Bellingham in the opening period, and the Arsenal winger. In time Saka whipped in a corner kick for the captain to open the scoring. It was a reminder that dead-ball situations are going to be vital in the upcoming tournament.

Bridge Still Stands

However, Bellingham was the story. The brilliance of the winger's delivery for Kane's goal was somewhat overlooked amid the drama of the substitution incident. After the final whistle, all eyes were on Bellingham. The coach approached to his side and directed the Real Madrid midfielder towards the away supporters. The bond between them is not broken. Tuchel is not willing to abandon him at this stage. But if he is willing to grant him a starring role is not guaranteed.