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Should Bellingham hopes to earn his place into the English top squad, the smart move to cut out the dramatics. His reaction upon realizing that he was being shown after an evening of uneven play in Tirana was unacceptable.

"I’d rather not make more out of it but I hold to my words 'behaviour is key' and respect for the teammates who come in," stated Tuchel. "Decisions are made and you need to comply being a professional."

Bellingham has to learn. It was unnecessary for a strop. The captain had recently scored to make England two goals ahead in a dead rubber fixture, with only six minutes remaining and he, following an inconsistent display, received a caution for a foul on the Albanian striker. This was hardly a questionable change. Indeed it would have been foolish for Tuchel to leave Bellingham on considering there was a risk he would rule himself out of the initial fixture of the World Cup by receiving a another booking.

Shifting Focus to Himself

But Bellingham turned the spotlight on himself. No one could overlook the young midfielder's annoyance upon understanding that he would be substituted for Morgan Rogers. His arms went up in exasperation and even though he exchanged a handshake after making his way to the bench it was clear that Tuchel did not appreciate it.

This is the challenge facing Bellingham. He applauded Marcus Rashford for sending in the ball for Harry Kane to head in the team's second, but the rest was counterproductive. It's not like complaining was going to alter the decision. Tuchel has talked so much about respecting team hierarchies and the necessity of acting professionally.

In the Spotlight

The midfielder, omitted from the team last month, has faced close inspection since coming back to the fold recently. In effect he has been on trial and he has not done himself any favours by reacting to coming off the pitch as the side wrapped up a ideal group stage by seeing off a feisty challenge from the Albanian team.

Tactics and Formation

It means the jury is out on how the team function at their best including Bellingham. The evidence here was inconclusive. Some new ideas were tested from Tuchel at the start. He has provided the squad organization and direction in recent months, using a defensive midfielder, a No 8, an attacking midfielder and out-and-out wingers, but there was a different feel against Albania. The young defender was given his first cap, Adam Wharton started for the first time at this level and the role of the defender as an auxiliary midfielder gave a similar look to the Manchester club's 2023 treble winners.

A Game of Two Halves

Bellingham was a mixed bag. He created an opportunity for his teammate after the break but at times seemed trying too hard. He made many hurried and errant passes. An unnecessary confrontation with a rival player early on. England were ragged after halftime. An opportunity for Albania followed Bellingham squandered possession. His caution came after he lost the ball by Broja and brought down the attacker.

Depth Makes the Difference

Finally the bench quality was decisive. Tuchel threw on Foden, who appeared more naturally fitted to the spot occupied by Bellingham in the opening period, and Saka. Eventually Saka provided a set-piece for Harry Kane to score the first goal. This served as a reminder that corners and free-kicks are going to be vital next summer.

Connection Remains

Nevertheless, the focus was on Bellingham. The excellence of Rashford's cross for Kane's goal was partly forgotten due to the fuss of the Rogers substitution. When the match concluded, everyone was watching the midfielder. Tuchel came over behind him and guided the Real Madrid midfielder to acknowledge the away supporters. Their relationship remains intact. Tuchel is not willing to discard Bellingham yet. However, whether he is willing to grant him centre stage remains in doubt.