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For Bellingham to aims to fight his way back into the English strongest starting eleven, it would be smart to eliminate the dramatics. The way he reacted upon realizing that his number was going up after a match of inconsistency in Tirana fell short of expectations.

"I don’t want to overstate it but I stick to my words 'conduct is crucial' and respect towards the squad members who enter the game," commented the coach. "Substitutions happen and you need to comply being a professional."

Bellingham has to learn. There was no call for a strop. Harry Kane had just put the national team leading by two in a dead rubber qualifier, the game had six minutes to go and he, following an inconsistent display, was just shown a yellow for bringing down the Albanian striker. This was hardly a questionable change. Actually it would have been unwise for Tuchel to not substitute him given that it was possible he would rule himself out of the opening game of the tournament by receiving a another booking.

Drawing Attention to Himself

But Bellingham turned the spotlight on himself. It was impossible to miss the player's disappointment when he clocked that his replacement was ready for another player. He flung his arms in the air and even though he accepted the coach's hand after making his way to the touchline it was obvious that the manager did not appreciate it.

This represents the hurdle that Bellingham must overcome. He praised Rashford for delivering the cross for Harry Kane to head in the team's second, but the rest was harmful to his cause. There was no chance complaining was going to change Tuchel’s mind. The coach has talked so much about honoring the team structure and the importance of showing proper conduct.

In the Spotlight

Bellingham, not included in the team last month, has faced close inspection since coming back to the squad in the current camp. In effect his place has been in question and he hasn't helped his case by reacting to his substitution as the national team wrapped up a flawless qualification run by defeating a spirited effort from their opponents.

The Coach's Plan

It means the jury is out on if the team operate most effectively when Bellingham plays. What we saw was open to interpretation. Tuchel tried new things by the coach in the beginning. He has given England a clear system in recent months, using a holding player, a central midfielder, a No 10 and out-and-out wingers, but there was a different feel versus Albania. Quansah was given his first cap, the midfielder started for the first time at this level and the role of Stones as a part-time midfielder meant there was passing resemblance to Manchester City’s team that won three trophies.

Inconsistent Display

His performance was inconsistent. He set up a shot for his teammate in the latter period but at times seemed too desperate to impress. There were a lot of rushed, misplaced passes. There was a needless bit of aggro with an Albania midfielder at the beginning. England were ragged during most of the second period. A scoring chance for the opponents followed Bellingham gave the ball away. His caution came after he lost the ball from Broja and fouled the attacker.

Substitutes Decide

Finally the squad's strength made the difference. The coach brought on Foden, who looked more naturally fitted to the role that Bellingham had played during the first half, and the Arsenal winger. In time Saka whipped in a set-piece for Harry Kane to score the first goal. It highlighted that set pieces are going to be vital next summer.

Connection Remains

Nevertheless, Bellingham was the story. The quality of Rashford’s assist for Kane’s header was somewhat overlooked in the ridiculousness of the player change. When the match concluded, all eyes were on the midfielder. Tuchel walked up from behind and pushed the Real Madrid midfielder towards the English fans. Their connection is not damaged. Tuchel is not willing to give up on Bellingham yet. However, whether he is willing to grant him the central position is still uncertain.