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Should Bellingham aims to force his way back into England’s best squad, it would be smart to eliminate the dramatics. His reaction when he saw that his number was being shown following a night of inconsistency in the match against Albania was unacceptable.

"I prefer not to overstate it but I stick to my words 'behaviour is key' and respect towards the squad members who substitute on," commented the coach. "Substitutions happen and you need to comply when you're on the field."

The midfielder must understand. There was no need for a strop. The captain had only moments earlier made it England two goals ahead in an inconsequential fixture, there were six minutes left and Bellingham, after a below-par performance, had just been booked for bringing down Armando Broja. This was hardly a debatable decision. In fact it might have been reckless for Tuchel to leave Bellingham on considering it was possible he would rule himself out of the opening game of the World Cup by getting a another booking.

Shifting Focus to Himself

But Bellingham made himself the center of attention. There was no disguising the young midfielder's disappointment when he clocked that his replacement was ready for a teammate. He threw his arms up and although he accepted the coach's hand after making his way to the touchline it was obvious that Tuchel was displeased.

This represents the hurdle for Bellingham. He applauded his teammate for providing the assist for the captain to head in his second of the night, but everything else was harmful to his cause. It is not as if arguing was going to alter the decision. Tuchel has stressed repeatedly respecting team hierarchies and the value of showing proper conduct.

In the Spotlight

The midfielder, left out of the previous squad, is being watched carefully upon his return to the fold recently. In effect he has been on trial and his actions haven't benefited him with his response to his substitution as the national team wrapped up a ideal group stage by overcoming a feisty challenge from the Albanian team.

The Coach's Plan

This implies opinions are divided on how the squad operate most effectively when Bellingham plays. The performance was inconclusive. Tuchel tried new things by the coach at the start. He has provided the team organization and direction in recent months, using a holding player, a box-to-box player, a No 10 and out-and-out wingers, but it felt different versus Albania. Jarell Quansah was given his first cap, Adam Wharton was in the starting lineup at this level and the role of John Stones as a part-time midfielder created a similar look to Manchester City’s team that won three trophies.

Inconsistent Display

Bellingham was a mixed bag. He made a chance for Eze after the break but frequently appeared too desperate to impress. He made many poorly executed passes. A pointless clash with a rival player at the beginning. England were ragged during most of the second period. One Albania chance resulted from Bellingham squandered possession. His booking was shown after he was dispossessed from Broja and committed a foul on the former Chelsea striker.

Substitutes Decide

Ultimately England’s depth made the difference. The coach brought on Foden, who seemed more comfortable to the position occupied by Bellingham in the opening period, and the Arsenal winger. Eventually Saka provided a corner kick for Kane to open the scoring. It was a reminder that corners and free-kicks will play a key role at the World Cup.

Connection Remains

However, all talk was about Bellingham. The excellence of Rashford's cross for Kane's goal was partly forgotten in the ridiculousness of the player change. When the match concluded, the focus was on Bellingham. Tuchel came over behind him and directed Bellingham towards the travelling England fans. Their connection remains intact. The coach isn't ready to abandon him at this stage. Yet whether he is willing to grant him a starring role remains in doubt.