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For Bellingham to hopes to earn his place into England’s strongest team, he would be wise to do away with the dramatics. The way he reacted upon realizing that he was about to come up following a night of inconsistency in Tirana was unacceptable.

"I’d rather not overstate it but I hold to my words 'behaviour is key' and consideration for the players who enter the game," Tuchel said. "Substitutions happen and you must accept them being a professional."

Bellingham has to learn. It was unnecessary for an outburst. Harry Kane had recently scored to make the Three Lions 2-0 up in a dead rubber qualifier, with only six minutes remaining and he, following an inconsistent display, was just shown a yellow for a foul on Armando Broja. It was not a debatable decision. Actually it would have been unwise for the head coach to not substitute him considering there was a risk the midfielder would rule himself out of the opening game of the competition by receiving a second caution.

Turning the Spotlight Upon Himself

But Bellingham turned the spotlight on himself. It was impossible to miss the 22-year-old’s annoyance when he clocked that he was going to make way for a teammate. He threw his arms up and although he shook Tuchel’s hand after making his way to the bench it was clear that the head coach was displeased.

This represents the hurdle that Bellingham must overcome. He praised Rashford for providing the assist for Kane to head in his second goal, but the rest was counterproductive. It is not as if protesting was going to alter the decision. The German has repeatedly emphasized respecting team hierarchies and the necessity of acting professionally.

In the Spotlight

He, not included in the team last month, is being watched carefully since coming back to the fold this month. In effect he was being assessed and he hasn't helped his case by reacting to his substitution as England wrapped up a ideal group stage by defeating a spirited effort from the Albanian team.

The Coach's Plan

As a result opinions are divided on how England operate most effectively with Bellingham in the team. The evidence here was inconclusive. Tuchel tried new things from the manager in the beginning. Under him, England have gained the team organization and direction lately, building with a No 6, a central midfielder, an attacking midfielder and dedicated wide players, but there was a different feel versus Albania. Jarell Quansah was given his first cap, the midfielder was in the starting lineup for England and the use of the defender as a part-time midfielder meant there was similar look to Manchester City’s historic treble-winning side.

Inconsistent Display

Bellingham had ups and downs. He created an opportunity for Eberechi Eze during the second half but at times seemed overly eager to shine. Several rushed, misplaced passes. An unnecessary confrontation with a rival player early on. The team looked disjointed after halftime. One Albania chance followed Bellingham squandered possession. His booking was shown after he was dispossessed to Broja and brought down the former Chelsea striker.

Squad Strength Shows

Ultimately the squad's strength made the difference. Tuchel introduced the Manchester City player, who looked more naturally fitted to the role occupied by Bellingham during the first half, and the Arsenal winger. Later Saka whipped in a corner for Kane to open the scoring. It highlighted that dead-ball situations are going to be vital next summer.

Relationship Not Broken

Nevertheless, the focus was on Bellingham. The quality of Rashford’s assist for Kane's goal was a little lost due to the fuss of the substitution incident. After the final whistle, everyone was watching Bellingham. Tuchel walked up to his side and directed the player to acknowledge the away supporters. The bond between them remains intact. The coach isn't ready to discard the player just yet. But if Tuchel is inclined to offer him a starring role remains in doubt.