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Should Bellingham wants to fight his way back into the English top starting eleven, the smart move to do away with the dramatics. The way he reacted after noticing that his number was going up after a match of uneven play in Tirana was not good enough.

"I’d rather not blow it out of proportion but I stick to my words 'conduct is crucial' and respect towards the teammates who enter the game," stated Tuchel. "Substitutions happen and you need to comply when you're on the field."

Bellingham has to learn. There was no call for an outburst. The captain had just put the Three Lions two goals ahead in a meaningless qualifier, the game had six minutes to go and Bellingham, after a below-par performance, was just shown a yellow for fouling the Albanian striker. It was not a controversial substitution. Actually it would have been unwise for Tuchel to not substitute him because there was a chance Bellingham would rule himself out of the first match of the World Cup by getting a second yellow card.

Turning the Spotlight on Himself

Yet Bellingham made himself the center of attention. No one could overlook the 22-year-old’s annoyance upon understanding that his replacement was ready for a teammate. He threw his arms up and although he exchanged a handshake while heading to the touchline it was clear that the head coach was displeased.

This is the challenge facing Bellingham. He praised Rashford for providing the assist for Kane to head in his second goal, but everything else was self-defeating. It's not like complaining was going to alter the decision. The coach has talked so much about following squad protocols and the importance of acting professionally.

Under Scrutiny

Bellingham, not included in last month’s squad, has been under scrutiny after returning to the team this month. Practically he was being assessed and he has not done himself any favours through his behavior to coming off the pitch as the side rounded off a ideal group stage by overcoming a tough opposition from their opponents.

Tactics and Formation

It means the jury is out on whether the squad function at their best including Bellingham. The evidence here was inconclusive. Some new ideas were tested by the coach in the beginning. He has provided the team structure and clarity in recent months, employing a defensive midfielder, a central midfielder, a No 10 and dedicated wide players, but it felt different against Albania. Quansah was handed his international debut, the midfielder was in the starting lineup at this level and the role of the defender as an auxiliary midfielder meant there was similar look to Manchester City’s team that won three trophies.

Inconsistent Display

Bellingham had ups and downs. He made a chance for Eberechi Eze during the second half but frequently appeared too desperate to impress. There were a lot of poorly executed passes. There was a needless bit of aggro with a rival player early on. The team looked disjointed after halftime. One Albania chance came after Bellingham gave the ball away. His caution was shown after he lost the ball by Broja and fouled the former Chelsea striker.

Substitutes Decide

Finally England’s depth proved crucial. Tuchel threw on the Manchester City player, who appeared better suited to the role in which Bellingham operated earlier in the match, and Bukayo Saka. In time Saka whipped in a corner kick for Kane to break the deadlock. It was a reminder that dead-ball situations will play a key role next summer.

Connection Remains

Nevertheless, all talk was about Bellingham. The brilliance of Rashford's cross for Kane’s header was somewhat overlooked amid the drama of the Rogers substitution. When the match concluded, all eyes were on the midfielder. Tuchel came over behind him and guided Bellingham in the direction of the away supporters. Their connection is not damaged. Tuchel is not willing to give up on him at this stage. Yet whether the coach is prepared to give him a starring role remains in doubt.