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For Bellingham to wants to earn his place back into the English strongest squad, the smart move to eliminate the dramatics. His response upon realizing that the substitute board was going up after an evening of inconsistency in Tirana fell short of expectations.

"I prefer not to blow it out of proportion but I stand by my words 'attitude matters' and respect towards the players who enter the game," stated Tuchel. "Choices are taken and you must accept them being a professional."

Bellingham has to learn. It was unnecessary for an outburst. The captain had only moments earlier made it England two goals ahead in a meaningless match, there were six minutes left and the player, following an inconsistent display, had just been booked for fouling Armando Broja. This could scarcely be called a debatable decision. In fact it would have been unwise for Tuchel to not substitute him because there was a chance he would make himself ineligible of the opening game of the World Cup by picking up a second caution.

Turning the Spotlight to Himself

However, the player turned the spotlight on himself. It was impossible to miss the player's annoyance when he clocked that he would be substituted for Morgan Rogers. He flung his arms in the air and while he accepted the coach's hand after making his way to the sideline it was obvious that Tuchel did not appreciate it.

This is the challenge facing Bellingham. He praised Marcus Rashford for providing the assist for Kane to nod home the team's second, but the rest was harmful to his cause. There was no chance complaining was going to alter the decision. Tuchel has stressed repeatedly honoring the team structure and the importance of acting professionally.

In the Spotlight

Bellingham, omitted from the previous squad, has faced close inspection after returning to the squad in the current camp. In effect his place has been in question and he has not done himself any favours through his behavior to coming off the pitch as the side rounded off a perfect qualifying campaign by defeating a spirited effort from the Albanian team.

The Coach's Plan

It means opinions are divided on whether the squad perform optimally when Bellingham plays. What we saw was inconclusive. Tuchel tried new things from Tuchel at the start. He has given the team a clear system lately, using a No 6, a box-to-box player, a playmaker and specialist wingers, but the approach changed against Albania. Jarell Quansah was given his first cap, the midfielder started for the first time at this level and the use of Stones as an auxiliary midfielder meant there was passing resemblance to the Manchester club's team that won three trophies.

Mixed Performance

Bellingham was a mixed bag. He made a chance for Eberechi Eze after the break but often looked trying too hard. Several poorly executed passes. A pointless clash against an opponent early on. The team looked disjointed after halftime. An opportunity for Albania resulted from Bellingham squandered possession. The yellow card was shown after he was dispossessed to Broja and fouled the former Chelsea striker.

Depth Makes the Difference

Ultimately England’s depth was decisive. Tuchel threw on Foden, who appeared better suited to the position in which Bellingham operated during the first half, and the Arsenal winger. In time Saka whipped in a corner kick for Kane to score the first goal. It was a reminder that set pieces will be crucial at the World Cup.

Bridge Still Stands

Nevertheless, Bellingham was the story. The excellence of Rashford's cross for Kane’s header was a little lost in the ridiculousness of the substitution incident. After the final whistle, all eyes were on the midfielder. Tuchel walked up to his side and directed Bellingham in the direction of the travelling England fans. The bond between them remains intact. Tuchel is not willing to discard the player just yet. But if the coach is prepared to offer him the central position is not guaranteed.