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For Bellingham to hopes to force his way into England’s strongest squad, the smart move to do away with the dramatics. His reaction when he saw that the substitute board was about to come up following a night of inconsistency in the match against Albania was not good enough.

"I prefer not to make more out of it but I stand by my words 'attitude matters' and respect towards the squad members who enter the game," Tuchel said. "Decisions are made and you have to accept it as a player."

Bellingham has to learn. There was no need for a strop. Harry Kane had recently scored to make the Three Lions leading by two in a meaningless fixture, with only six minutes remaining and the player, following an inconsistent display, received a caution for bringing down an opponent. It was not a questionable change. Actually it would have been foolish for Tuchel to leave Bellingham on given that there was a chance the midfielder would rule himself out of the first match of the World Cup by picking up a second yellow card.

Shifting Focus Upon Himself

However, the player turned the spotlight on himself. There was no disguising the player's frustration as he realized that his replacement was ready for a teammate. His arms went up in exasperation and although he accepted the coach's hand on his way to the touchline there was no doubt that the head coach did not appreciate it.

Here lies the test for Bellingham. He congratulated his teammate for providing the assist for Harry Kane to nod home the team's second, but the rest was self-defeating. It is not as if complaining was going to reverse the substitution. Tuchel has stressed repeatedly following squad protocols and the importance of acting professionally.

Facing Examination

Bellingham, omitted from last month’s squad, is being watched carefully upon his return to the squad recently. Essentially he was being assessed and he hasn't helped his case with his response to his substitution as the side wrapped up a perfect qualifying campaign by seeing off a feisty challenge from Albania.

Tactics and Formation

It means opinions are divided on how the team function at their best including Bellingham. The evidence here was not definitive. Some new ideas were tested from the manager in the beginning. He has provided the squad structure and clarity over the past few matches, using a holding player, a central midfielder, a playmaker and dedicated wide players, but there was a different feel in this match. Jarell Quansah was handed his international debut, Wharton made his first start internationally and the use of the defender as a part-time midfielder created a passing resemblance to Manchester City’s 2023 treble winners.

Mixed Performance

Bellingham was a mixed bag. He created an opportunity for his teammate in the latter period but frequently appeared trying too hard. There were a lot of rushed, misplaced passes. An unnecessary confrontation against an opponent in the early stages. England's play was messy during most of the second period. An opportunity for Albania came after Bellingham squandered possession. His caution occurred when he lost the ball to Broja and fouled the former Chelsea striker.

Depth Makes the Difference

Finally England’s depth was decisive. Tuchel threw on Foden, who looked better suited to the position occupied by Bellingham in the opening period, and Bukayo Saka. Eventually Saka whipped in a corner kick for the captain to break the deadlock. It was a reminder that corners and free-kicks are going to be vital next summer.

Bridge Still Stands

Nevertheless, all talk was about Bellingham. The quality of the winger's delivery for Kane’s header was partly forgotten amid the drama of the substitution incident. After the final whistle, everyone was watching him. The coach approached to his side and directed Bellingham towards the travelling England fans. Their relationship remains intact. Tuchel is not willing to abandon him at this stage. However, whether the coach is prepared to grant him the central position is not guaranteed.