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Should Bellingham hopes to fight his way once again into the English strongest team, the smart move to do away with the unnecessary reactions. His response after noticing that his number was being shown after an evening of inconsistency in Tirana fell short of expectations.

"I don’t want to make more out of it but I stick to my words 'conduct is crucial' and respect towards the squad members who substitute on," stated Tuchel. "Substitutions happen and you must accept them when you're on the field."

There is a lesson for Bellingham. There was no call for a tantrum. Kane had recently scored to make the national team leading by two in an inconsequential qualifier, there were six minutes left and Bellingham, following an inconsistent display, received a caution for a foul on the Albanian striker. It was not a controversial substitution. Indeed it would have been foolish for the manager to leave Bellingham on because it was possible he would make himself ineligible of the first match of the World Cup by picking up a another booking.

Turning the Spotlight Upon Himself

However, the player drew all eyes toward himself. No one could overlook the 22-year-old’s frustration when he clocked that his replacement was ready for another player. He threw his arms up and although he shook Tuchel’s hand after making his way to the sideline it was clear that the head coach was displeased.

Here lies the test facing Bellingham. He applauded Marcus Rashford for sending in the ball for the captain to nod home his second of the night, but the rest was harmful to his cause. 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 necessity of behaving correctly.

Facing Examination

He, left out of the previous squad, has faced close inspection after returning to the team in the current camp. Essentially he has been on trial and his actions haven't benefited him by reacting to coming off the pitch as the side rounded off a perfect qualifying campaign by defeating a tough opposition from the Albanian team.

The System and the Setup

It means it's unclear on how the squad operate most effectively when Bellingham plays. What we saw was inconclusive. There was experimentation from the manager in the beginning. He has given the squad a clear system over the past few matches, employing a No 6, a central midfielder, a playmaker and dedicated wide players, but the approach changed against Albania. Quansah was given his first cap, the midfielder was in the starting lineup at this level and the positioning of John Stones as a makeshift midfielder created a passing resemblance to City's 2023 treble winners.

Inconsistent Display

Bellingham had ups and downs. He made a chance for Eberechi Eze in the latter period but at times seemed too desperate to impress. He made many hurried and errant passes. There was a needless bit of aggro against an opponent at the beginning. England were ragged after halftime. An opportunity for Albania followed Bellingham squandered possession. His caution was shown after he was dispossessed to Broja and committed a foul on Broja.

Substitutes Decide

In the end England’s depth proved crucial. The coach brought on the Manchester City player, who seemed more naturally fitted to the role that Bellingham had played during the first half, and Bukayo Saka. Later Saka whipped in a corner for Kane to open the scoring. It was a reminder that dead-ball situations are going to be vital in the upcoming tournament.

Relationship Not Broken

However, the focus was on Bellingham. The brilliance of the winger's delivery for Kane’s header was partly forgotten in the ridiculousness of the player change. At the end, all eyes were on him. Tuchel came over from behind and pushed the Real Madrid midfielder towards the travelling England fans. Their connection is not broken. Tuchel is not willing to give up on the player just yet. Yet whether Tuchel is inclined to give him the central position is not guaranteed.