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Should Bellingham hopes to fight his way into the English top team, he would be wise to do away with the nonsense. His response after noticing that he was going up following a night of uneven play in the match against Albania was not good enough.

"I don’t want to blow it out of proportion but I stick to my words 'conduct is crucial' and respect for the squad members who substitute on," Tuchel said. "Substitutions happen and you have to accept it being a professional."

Bellingham has to learn. It was unnecessary for a strop. Kane had only moments earlier made it the national team leading by two in a meaningless qualifier, there were six minutes left and the player, who had not played particularly well, received a caution for bringing down an opponent. This was hardly a questionable change. Indeed it would have been foolish for the manager to leave Bellingham on because there was a risk Bellingham would make himself ineligible of the opening game of the World Cup by receiving a second caution.

Shifting Focus on Himself

However, the player drew all eyes toward himself. No one could overlook the 22-year-old’s disappointment when he clocked that he was going to make way for Morgan Rogers. His arms went up in exasperation and while he shook Tuchel’s hand on his way to the bench it was obvious that the manager was displeased.

Here lies the test facing Bellingham. He praised Marcus Rashford for delivering the cross for Harry Kane to nod home his second of the night, but the rest was self-defeating. It's not like complaining was going to change Tuchel’s mind. Tuchel has repeatedly emphasized honoring the team structure and the value of showing proper conduct.

Facing Examination

The midfielder, not included in the team last month, has been under scrutiny since coming back to the fold recently. Essentially he was being assessed and he has not done himself any favours through his behavior to his substitution as England completed a ideal group stage by defeating a feisty challenge from their opponents.

Tactics and Formation

As a result the jury is out on how England operate most effectively including Bellingham. The evidence here was not definitive. Some new ideas were tested from the manager at the start. He has provided the team organization and direction over the past few matches, employing a holding player, a No 8, a playmaker and specialist wingers, but it felt different in this match. Jarell Quansah was made his England debut, Wharton started for the first time for England and the role of the defender as a part-time midfielder gave a passing resemblance to City's team that won three trophies.

A Game of Two Halves

His performance was inconsistent. He created an opportunity for Eze in the latter period but often looked overly eager to shine. He made many hurried and errant passes. A pointless clash with a rival player in the early stages. England were ragged after halftime. One Albania chance came after Bellingham gave the ball away. His booking was shown after an opponent took the ball from Broja and brought down the attacker.

Substitutes Decide

Finally England’s depth made the difference. Tuchel threw on Phil Foden, who looked more comfortable to the role that Bellingham had played in the opening period, and Saka. In time Saka whipped in a corner kick for Harry Kane to open the scoring. This served as a reminder that set pieces will be crucial in the upcoming tournament.

Connection Remains

Still, though, Bellingham was the story. The excellence of the winger's delivery for the second goal was somewhat overlooked amid the drama of the Rogers substitution. After the final whistle, the focus was on Bellingham. The coach approached behind him and directed the player in the direction of the English fans. Their relationship remains intact. Tuchel is not willing to give up on Bellingham yet. However, whether the coach is prepared to offer him centre stage is still uncertain.