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Should Bellingham hopes to force his way once again into England’s top team, it would be smart to eliminate the unnecessary reactions. His response when he saw that his number was about to come up after an evening of mixed performance in Tirana fell short of expectations.

"I prefer not to make more out of it but I stick to my words 'conduct is crucial' and respect for the teammates who come in," stated Tuchel. "Substitutions happen and you must accept them as a player."

Bellingham has to learn. There was no call for a strop. Harry Kane had only moments earlier made it the Three Lions two goals ahead in a dead rubber match, with only six minutes remaining and he, who had not played particularly well, was just shown a yellow for bringing down the Albanian striker. This could scarcely be called a questionable change. Indeed it would have been foolish for the head coach to not substitute him because there was a chance the midfielder would be suspended of the opening game of the tournament by picking up a another booking.

Drawing Attention to Himself

But Bellingham made himself the center of attention. No one could overlook the young midfielder's disappointment when he clocked that he was going to make way for Morgan Rogers. He flung his arms in the air and while he accepted the coach's hand on his way to the bench there was no doubt that Tuchel did not appreciate it.

Here lies the test for Bellingham. He congratulated Rashford for delivering the cross for Harry Kane to score his second of the night, but his other actions was counterproductive. There was no chance complaining was going to reverse the substitution. Tuchel has talked so much about honoring the team structure and the necessity of behaving correctly.

Facing Examination

He, omitted from last month’s squad, has been under scrutiny upon his return to the fold recently. In effect his place has been in question and his actions haven't benefited him with his response to coming off the pitch as the national team rounded off a flawless qualification run by seeing off a spirited effort from Albania.

The Coach's Plan

This implies the jury is out on if the squad function at their best including Bellingham. What we saw was inconclusive. Some new ideas were tested from the manager in the beginning. He has given England organization and direction in recent months, employing a holding player, a No 8, a No 10 and specialist wingers, but there was a different feel against Albania. Quansah was handed his international debut, Adam Wharton started for the first time at this level and the use of Stones as an auxiliary midfielder created a passing resemblance to City's 2023 treble winners.

A Game of Two Halves

His performance was inconsistent. He set up a shot for his teammate in the latter period but often looked overly eager to shine. There were a lot of poorly executed passes. There was a needless bit of aggro with an Albania midfielder in the early stages. The team looked disjointed for much of the second half. One Albania chance came after Bellingham squandered possession. His booking was shown after he was dispossessed from Broja and brought down the attacker.

Depth Makes the Difference

In the end the squad's strength made the difference. Tuchel threw on Phil Foden, who appeared more comfortable to the role occupied by Bellingham earlier in the match, and the Arsenal winger. Later Saka delivered a set-piece for Harry Kane to score the first goal. It was a reminder that set pieces will play a key role next summer.

Relationship Not Broken

Still, though, Bellingham was the story. The quality of the winger's delivery for the second goal was somewhat overlooked due to the fuss of the substitution incident. At the end, the focus was on him. Tuchel came over from behind and pushed the Real Madrid midfielder towards the away supporters. Their connection remains intact. The coach isn't ready to discard Bellingham yet. But if the coach is prepared to give him a starring role is not guaranteed.