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Should Bellingham hopes to force his way into England’s best starting eleven, he would be wise to eliminate the nonsense. His response after noticing that the substitute board was being shown after an evening of mixed performance in the match against Albania was not good enough.

"I don’t want to make more out of it but I hold to my words 'behaviour is key' and respect towards the teammates who substitute on," commented the coach. "Decisions are made and you need to comply being a professional."

Bellingham has to learn. There was no call for an outburst. Kane had recently scored to make the Three Lions two goals ahead in an inconsequential qualifier, there were six minutes left and he, who had not played particularly well, had just been booked for a foul on Armando Broja. This could scarcely be called a questionable change. Actually it would have been foolish for Tuchel to leave Bellingham on because it was possible he would make himself ineligible of the first match of the World Cup by receiving a second caution.

Shifting Focus to Himself

However, the player drew all eyes toward himself. No one could overlook the young midfielder's frustration as he realized that he would be substituted for another player. He flung his arms in the air and while he exchanged a handshake while heading to the sideline it was obvious that Tuchel did not appreciate it.

Here lies the test for Bellingham. He applauded Rashford for delivering the cross for Harry Kane to score his second goal, but everything else was counterproductive. It is not as if arguing was going to change Tuchel’s mind. The coach has talked so much about following squad protocols and the importance of showing proper conduct.

In the Spotlight

He, omitted from the team last month, is being watched carefully after returning to the fold this month. In effect he was being assessed and his actions haven't benefited him by reacting to being taken off as England completed a flawless qualification run by defeating a tough opposition from the Albanian team.

Tactics and Formation

This implies the jury is out on whether the squad operate most effectively with Bellingham in the team. The evidence here was open to interpretation. Some new ideas were tested by the coach early on. He has given the team structure and clarity in recent months, using a holding player, a box-to-box player, a No 10 and out-and-out wingers, but it felt different versus Albania. Quansah was made his England debut, Adam Wharton made his first start internationally and the positioning of John Stones as a part-time midfielder gave a similar look to the Manchester club's team that won three trophies.

A Game of Two Halves

His performance was inconsistent. He set up a shot for Eberechi Eze in the latter period but often looked too desperate to impress. Several rushed, misplaced passes. An unnecessary confrontation against an opponent in the early stages. England were ragged during most of the second period. One Albania chance resulted from he lost the ball cheaply. His caution occurred when he was dispossessed from Broja and committed a foul on the attacker.

Squad Strength Shows

Ultimately the squad's strength was decisive. Tuchel introduced Foden, who seemed more comfortable to the role that Bellingham had played in the opening period, and Bukayo Saka. Eventually Saka whipped in a corner for Harry Kane to break the deadlock. This served as a reminder that dead-ball situations will play a key role at the World Cup.

Relationship Not Broken

However, the focus was on Bellingham. The quality of Rashford’s assist for Kane's goal was a little lost in the ridiculousness of the player change. At the end, everyone was watching Bellingham. The coach approached to his side and pushed the Real Madrid midfielder to acknowledge the away supporters. Their connection is not damaged. Tuchel hasn't decided to discard him at this stage. But if the coach is prepared to give him centre stage remains in doubt.