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For Bellingham to hopes to fight his way back into the English top starting eleven, it would be smart to cut out the dramatics. His reaction when he saw that the substitute board was about to come up after a match of inconsistency in the match against Albania fell short of expectations.

"I don’t want to make more out of it but I hold to my words 'conduct is crucial' and respect for the players who enter the game," commented the coach. "Choices are taken and you need to comply when you're on the field."

There is a lesson for Bellingham. It was unnecessary for a tantrum. The captain had recently scored to make England 2-0 up in a dead rubber qualifier, with only six minutes remaining and the player, who had not played particularly well, had just been booked for bringing down Armando Broja. It was not a debatable decision. Actually it would have been foolish for Tuchel to keep Bellingham on the pitch given that there was a risk Bellingham would be suspended of the opening game of the competition by picking up a second caution.

Shifting Focus to Himself

However, the player turned the spotlight on himself. It was impossible to miss the 22-year-old’s annoyance when he clocked that he would be substituted for another player. He threw his arms up and while he exchanged a handshake on his way to the touchline it was clear that the head coach was displeased.

This is the challenge facing Bellingham. He applauded his teammate for providing the assist for the captain to score his second of the night, but his other actions was counterproductive. There was no chance protesting was going to alter the decision. Tuchel has repeatedly emphasized following squad protocols and the importance of showing proper conduct.

Under Scrutiny

The midfielder, not included in the previous squad, has been under scrutiny after returning to the fold this month. Essentially he was being assessed and he has not done himself any favours through his behavior to coming off the pitch as the side wrapped up a ideal group stage by overcoming a feisty challenge from their opponents.

The System and the Setup

It means opinions are divided on how England perform optimally when Bellingham plays. The evidence here was not definitive. Tuchel tried new things from Tuchel at the start. He has given the squad a clear system over the past few matches, employing a holding player, a box-to-box player, an attacking midfielder and dedicated wide players, but it felt different versus Albania. The young defender was given his first cap, Adam Wharton was in the starting lineup for England and the use of John Stones as an auxiliary midfielder created a similar look to City's historic treble-winning side.

Inconsistent Display

Bellingham had ups and downs. He made a chance for Eze in the latter period but often looked trying too hard. He made many poorly executed passes. A pointless clash with a rival player early on. The team looked disjointed during most of the second period. An opportunity for Albania came after Bellingham squandered possession. The yellow card was shown after an opponent took the ball by Broja and committed a foul on Broja.

Squad Strength Shows

Finally the bench quality was decisive. Tuchel introduced Phil Foden, who appeared better suited to the spot occupied by Bellingham earlier in the match, and Saka. Eventually Saka delivered a corner for the captain to break the deadlock. It highlighted that set pieces will be crucial next summer.

Connection Remains

Nevertheless, the focus was on Bellingham. The brilliance of Rashford’s assist for Kane's goal was partly forgotten amid the drama of the substitution incident. When the match concluded, the focus was on the midfielder. The coach approached from behind and guided Bellingham towards the away supporters. Their relationship is not damaged. The coach isn't ready to abandon Bellingham yet. However, whether Tuchel is inclined to give him a starring role is not guaranteed.