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Should Bellingham wants to force his way into the English best starting eleven, the smart move to cut out the unnecessary reactions. His reaction upon realizing that his number was being shown after a match of uneven play in the match against Albania was not good enough.

"I’d rather not make more out of it but I stick to my words 'conduct is crucial' and respect towards the teammates who enter the game," stated Tuchel. "Decisions are made and you need to comply when you're on the field."

Bellingham has to learn. There was no need for a strop. The captain had only moments earlier made it the national team leading by two in a meaningless match, with only six minutes remaining and Bellingham, after a below-par performance, received a caution for fouling the Albanian striker. This was hardly a controversial substitution. In fact it would have been unwise for Tuchel to keep Bellingham on the pitch because it was possible the midfielder would rule himself out of the first match of the tournament by picking up a second yellow card.

Shifting Focus on Himself

However, the player made himself the center of attention. No one could overlook the young midfielder's disappointment when he clocked that he was going to make way for another player. His arms went up in exasperation and while he shook Tuchel’s hand while heading to the sideline it was clear that the manager was not impressed.

This is the challenge that Bellingham must overcome. He applauded Rashford for delivering the cross for Kane to score the team's second, but the rest was counterproductive. It's not like complaining was going to change Tuchel’s mind. Tuchel has repeatedly emphasized respecting team hierarchies and the value of behaving correctly.

Under Scrutiny

Bellingham, not included in the team last month, is being watched carefully upon his return to the team this month. Practically he has been on trial and he has not done himself any favours by reacting to being taken off as England wrapped up a flawless qualification run by overcoming a feisty challenge from the Albanian team.

The Coach's Plan

This implies opinions are divided on whether the team operate most effectively with Bellingham in the team. The performance was not definitive. There was experimentation from Tuchel in the beginning. He has given England organization and direction over the past few matches, building with a No 6, a central midfielder, an attacking midfielder and dedicated wide players, but the approach changed versus Albania. Jarell Quansah was handed his international debut, Adam Wharton made his first start at this level and the use of the defender as a part-time midfielder created a faint echo to Manchester City’s historic treble-winning side.

Inconsistent Display

His performance was inconsistent. He created an opportunity for his teammate after the break but at times seemed too desperate to impress. Several rushed, misplaced passes. A pointless clash with a rival player in the early stages. England's play was messy during most of the second period. One Albania chance came after he lost the ball cheaply. The yellow card occurred when he was dispossessed by Broja and fouled the attacker.

Substitutes Decide

Ultimately England’s depth proved crucial. Tuchel threw on Foden, who seemed more naturally fitted to the role occupied by Bellingham in the opening period, and the Arsenal winger. Later Saka whipped in a corner kick for the captain to open the scoring. This served as a reminder that dead-ball situations will play a key role at the World Cup.

Relationship Not Broken

However, the focus was on Bellingham. The quality of the winger's delivery for Kane’s header was somewhat overlooked in the ridiculousness of the substitution incident. After the final whistle, the focus was on him. Tuchel came over behind him and guided the player towards the away supporters. Their connection remains intact. The coach isn't ready to discard Bellingham yet. Yet whether he is willing to grant him the central position remains in doubt.