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For Bellingham to aims to force his way back into the English strongest starting eleven, the smart move to do away with the unnecessary reactions. His response when he saw that he was going up following a night of mixed performance in the match against Albania was not good enough.

"I don’t want to overstate it but I hold to my words 'behaviour is key' and respect towards the players who come in," commented the coach. "Substitutions happen and you need to comply being a professional."

There is a lesson for Bellingham. There was no need for a tantrum. Harry Kane had only moments earlier made it the national team two goals ahead in an inconsequential 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 controversial substitution. Actually it would have been unwise for the head coach to not substitute him given that it was possible he would be suspended of the opening game of the tournament by picking up a second yellow card.

Shifting Focus to Himself

Yet Bellingham drew all eyes toward himself. No one could overlook the 22-year-old’s frustration when he clocked that he was going to make way for Morgan Rogers. He flung his arms in the air and although he shook Tuchel’s hand after making his way to the touchline it was clear that Tuchel did not appreciate it.

Here lies the test facing Bellingham. He congratulated Rashford for providing the assist for Kane to score his second goal, but everything else was counterproductive. It is not as if complaining was going to alter the decision. The coach has talked so much about honoring the team structure and the importance of showing proper conduct.

Under Scrutiny

He, not included in the team last month, has been under scrutiny upon his return to the squad recently. Practically he has been on trial and he hasn't helped his case through his behavior to coming off the pitch as England completed a perfect qualifying campaign by overcoming a feisty challenge from Albania.

The System and the Setup

This implies the jury is out on if the team operate most effectively when Bellingham plays. The performance was open to interpretation. Tuchel tried new things from Tuchel early on. He has provided the team a clear system in recent months, employing a defensive midfielder, a No 8, a playmaker and out-and-out wingers, but the approach changed in this match. The young defender was given his first cap, Wharton started for the first time internationally and the role of the defender as an auxiliary midfielder created a passing resemblance to Manchester City’s historic treble-winning side.

Inconsistent Display

Bellingham had ups and downs. He set up a shot for his teammate in the latter period but frequently appeared trying too hard. He made many rushed, misplaced passes. A pointless clash against an opponent at the beginning. The team looked disjointed during most of the second period. An opportunity for Albania came after Bellingham gave the ball away. His booking came after he was dispossessed from Broja and brought down the former Chelsea striker.

Depth Makes the Difference

Finally England’s depth was decisive. Tuchel threw on Foden, who looked better suited to the spot that Bellingham had played earlier in the match, and the Arsenal winger. In time Saka provided a corner for the captain to score the first goal. It was a reminder that set pieces are going to be vital next summer.

Bridge Still Stands

Still, though, all talk was about Bellingham. The quality of Rashford’s assist for Kane's goal was partly forgotten in the ridiculousness of the substitution incident. After the final whistle, all eyes were on the midfielder. Tuchel came over from behind and guided the Real Madrid midfielder in the direction of the English fans. Their connection is not damaged. Tuchel hasn't decided to give up on Bellingham yet. Yet whether he is willing to grant him the central position remains in doubt.