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For Bellingham to hopes to force his way once again into the English top team, the smart move to eliminate the unnecessary reactions. His response when he saw that his number was going up after a match of uneven play in the match against Albania fell short of expectations.

"I don’t want to make more out of it but I hold to my words 'behaviour is key' and respect towards the players who substitute on," stated Tuchel. "Decisions are made and you have to accept it being a professional."

The midfielder must understand. There was no need for a strop. The captain had just put the national team two goals ahead in a dead rubber qualifier, there were six minutes left and Bellingham, after a below-par performance, had just been booked for fouling Armando Broja. This was hardly a debatable decision. Actually it might have been reckless for Tuchel to not substitute him considering it was possible the midfielder would make himself ineligible of the first match of the tournament by picking up a another booking.

Turning the Spotlight Upon Himself

However, the player made himself the center of attention. It was impossible to miss the 22-year-old’s disappointment upon understanding that he would be substituted for Morgan Rogers. He flung his arms in the air and although he accepted the coach's hand on his way to the sideline it was obvious that Tuchel was not impressed.

This represents the hurdle that Bellingham must overcome. He praised his teammate for sending in the ball for the captain to score his second of the night, but his other actions was counterproductive. It is not as if protesting was going to alter the decision. The German has stressed repeatedly respecting team hierarchies and the importance of showing proper conduct.

Under Scrutiny

He, left out of the team last month, has faced close inspection since coming back to the squad in the current camp. In effect his place has been in question and his actions haven't benefited him with his response to being taken off as the national team completed a perfect qualifying campaign by defeating a feisty challenge from Albania.

The Coach's Plan

As a result the jury is out on how the team operate most effectively with Bellingham in the team. What we saw was open to interpretation. There was experimentation from Tuchel at the start. Under him, England have gained the squad structure and clarity in recent months, using a defensive midfielder, a No 8, a No 10 and out-and-out wingers, but there was a different feel against Albania. Jarell Quansah was given his first cap, the midfielder made his first start for England and the positioning of Stones as a makeshift midfielder gave a passing resemblance to the Manchester club's 2023 treble winners.

Inconsistent Display

Bellingham had ups and downs. He made a chance for Eberechi Eze during the second half but at times seemed too desperate to impress. Several rushed, misplaced passes. There was a needless bit of aggro against an opponent early on. England were ragged for much of the second half. An opportunity for Albania came after Bellingham squandered possession. The yellow card came after he was dispossessed by Broja and brought down the former Chelsea striker.

Substitutes Decide

Ultimately the squad's strength proved crucial. Tuchel introduced the Manchester City player, who looked better suited to the position occupied by Bellingham in the opening period, and the Arsenal winger. Later Saka whipped in a set-piece for Kane to break the deadlock. It was a reminder that dead-ball situations will play a key role at the World Cup.

Relationship Not Broken

Still, though, Bellingham was the story. The brilliance of Rashford’s assist for Kane’s header was somewhat overlooked amid the drama of the substitution incident. When the match concluded, the focus was on him. Tuchel came over from behind and guided Bellingham towards the away supporters. The bond between them is not damaged. Tuchel hasn't decided to abandon Bellingham yet. Yet whether he is willing to offer him centre stage is still uncertain.