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For Bellingham to aims to force his way into the English best starting eleven, he would be wise to cut out the dramatics. His response after noticing that the substitute board was going up after an evening of inconsistency in the match against Albania fell short of expectations.

"I don’t want to overstate it but I stick to my words 'behaviour is key' and consideration for the players who substitute on," Tuchel said. "Decisions are made and you must accept them being a professional."

The midfielder must understand. There was no need for a strop. Kane had just put the national team 2-0 up in a dead rubber match, there were six minutes left and the player, following an inconsistent display, received a caution for fouling the Albanian striker. This could scarcely be called a questionable change. Actually it would have been foolish for the head coach to leave Bellingham on because there was a risk he would make himself ineligible of the initial fixture of the World Cup by picking up a second caution.

Shifting Focus to Himself

However, the player turned the spotlight on himself. No one could overlook the 22-year-old’s frustration when he clocked that he would be substituted for a teammate. He threw his arms up and although he shook Tuchel’s hand on his way to the bench it was obvious that the head coach was displeased.

This is the challenge that Bellingham must overcome. He applauded Marcus Rashford for providing the assist for Harry Kane to head in his second goal, but the rest was harmful to his cause. There was no chance complaining was going to reverse the substitution. Tuchel has stressed repeatedly honoring the team structure and the importance of showing proper conduct.

Facing Examination

The midfielder, not included in the team last month, is being watched carefully since coming back to the fold in the current camp. Essentially he has been on trial and he hasn't helped his case with his response to being taken off as England completed a flawless qualification run by seeing off a spirited effort from Albania.

The Coach's Plan

As a result the jury is out on if the squad function at their best when Bellingham plays. The performance was open to interpretation. Some new ideas were tested by the coach at the start. Under him, England have gained the team a clear system in recent months, building with a defensive midfielder, a No 8, an attacking midfielder and out-and-out wingers, but it felt different against Albania. The young defender was made his England debut, Adam Wharton was in the starting lineup for England and the role of the defender as a part-time midfielder gave a passing resemblance to City's 2023 treble winners.

A Game of Two Halves

His performance was inconsistent. He set up a shot for Eberechi Eze during the second half but frequently appeared too desperate to impress. Several rushed, misplaced passes. An unnecessary confrontation with an Albania midfielder at the beginning. England's play was messy after halftime. An opportunity for Albania followed Bellingham squandered possession. His booking came after he lost the ball from Broja and brought down the attacker.

Depth Makes the Difference

Finally the squad's strength proved crucial. Tuchel threw on the Manchester City player, who appeared more comfortable to the spot occupied by Bellingham during the first half, and Bukayo Saka. In time Saka whipped in a corner kick for the captain to open the scoring. It highlighted that corners and free-kicks will play a key role next summer.

Bridge Still Stands

Nevertheless, Bellingham was the story. The quality of Rashford's cross for Kane’s header was a little lost due to the fuss of the player change. At the end, everyone was watching the midfielder. Tuchel came over behind him and pushed Bellingham towards the travelling England fans. The bond between them is not damaged. Tuchel is not willing to abandon him at this stage. However, whether the coach is prepared to give him the central position remains in doubt.