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Should Bellingham hopes to earn his place once again into the English strongest team, he would be wise to eliminate the unnecessary reactions. His response after noticing that the substitute board was being shown after a match of inconsistency in the match against Albania was not good enough.

"I prefer not to overstate it but I stand by my words 'behaviour is key' and respect towards the players who substitute on," commented the coach. "Substitutions happen and you need to comply as a player."

Bellingham has to learn. There was no need for an outburst. Kane had recently scored to make England two goals ahead in a meaningless fixture, the game had six minutes to go and Bellingham, who had not played particularly well, received a caution for a foul on the Albanian striker. This was hardly a debatable decision. In fact it might have been reckless for Tuchel to keep Bellingham on the pitch considering there was a chance the midfielder would rule himself out of the first match of the World Cup by getting a second yellow card.

Drawing Attention on Himself

However, the player made himself the center of attention. It was impossible to miss the 22-year-old’s disappointment when he clocked that his replacement was ready for Morgan Rogers. His arms went up in exasperation and although he exchanged a handshake on his way to the touchline it was obvious that the head coach did not appreciate it.

Here lies the test that Bellingham must overcome. He praised his teammate for delivering the cross for the captain to score the team's second, but his other actions was self-defeating. There was no chance complaining was going to alter the decision. The German has stressed repeatedly following squad protocols and the necessity of showing proper conduct.

Under Scrutiny

He, left out of the team last month, has been under scrutiny upon his return to the squad in the current camp. Essentially he has been on trial and he has not done himself any favours through his behavior to coming off the pitch as the national team completed a ideal group stage by overcoming a spirited effort from Albania.

Tactics and Formation

It means it's unclear on how the team operate most effectively with Bellingham in the team. What we saw was inconclusive. Some new ideas were tested by the coach early on. Under him, England have gained England a clear system in recent months, employing a holding player, a central midfielder, an attacking midfielder and specialist wingers, but the approach changed in this match. Quansah was made his England debut, the midfielder made his first start at this level and the positioning of the defender as a part-time midfielder created a faint echo to City's historic treble-winning side.

Inconsistent Display

Bellingham was a mixed bag. He made a chance for Eberechi Eze in the latter period but at times seemed trying too hard. There were a lot of hurried and errant passes. An unnecessary confrontation against an opponent early on. England were ragged for much of the second half. One Albania chance came after he lost the ball cheaply. His caution was shown after he was dispossessed to Broja and brought down Broja.

Depth Makes the Difference

In the end England’s depth proved crucial. The coach brought on Phil Foden, who seemed better suited to the spot occupied by Bellingham in the opening period, and Saka. In time Saka delivered a corner for the captain to break the deadlock. It was a reminder that dead-ball situations are going to be vital next summer.

Relationship Not Broken

Nevertheless, all talk was about Bellingham. The brilliance of Rashford’s assist for Kane's goal was somewhat overlooked due to the fuss of the substitution incident. After the final whistle, all eyes were on him. The coach approached from behind and pushed the Real Madrid midfielder in the direction of the English fans. The bond between them is not damaged. Tuchel is not willing to give up on the player just yet. Yet whether he is willing to grant him the central position remains in doubt.