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For Bellingham to aims to force his way back into the English top squad, he would be wise to cut out the dramatics. The way he reacted after noticing that his number was being shown after a match of uneven play in Tirana fell short of expectations.

"I don’t want to blow it out of proportion but I hold to my words 'attitude matters' and consideration for the teammates who enter the game," stated Tuchel. "Choices are taken and you must accept them when you're on the field."

Bellingham has to learn. It was unnecessary for a tantrum. Kane had just put the national team leading by two in a dead rubber qualifier, there were six minutes left and the player, following an inconsistent display, had just been booked for fouling the Albanian striker. It was not a questionable change. Actually it would have been foolish for Tuchel to not substitute him because it was possible the midfielder would be suspended of the opening game of the World Cup by receiving a second caution.

Turning the Spotlight to Himself

Yet Bellingham turned the spotlight on himself. No one could overlook the young midfielder's disappointment when he clocked that his replacement was ready for another player. He threw his arms up and while he accepted the coach'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 congratulated Rashford for sending in the ball for Harry Kane to head in his second of the night, but everything else was self-defeating. It is not as if arguing was going to change Tuchel’s mind. The coach has stressed repeatedly respecting team hierarchies and the necessity of showing proper conduct.

Under Scrutiny

He, left out of the team last month, is being watched carefully upon his return to the fold recently. Essentially he has been on trial and he has not done himself any favours with his response to being taken off as the side rounded off a flawless qualification run by overcoming a spirited effort from the Albanian team.

The Coach's Plan

It means it's unclear on whether England perform optimally when Bellingham plays. The evidence here was inconclusive. Tuchel tried new things from Tuchel at the start. He has provided the team organization and direction over the past few matches, employing a No 6, a No 8, an attacking midfielder and dedicated wide players, but the approach changed versus Albania. The young defender was made his England debut, Wharton made his first start for England and the use of Stones as a makeshift midfielder meant there was passing resemblance to City's team that won three trophies.

A Game of Two Halves

Bellingham had ups and downs. He set up a shot for his teammate in the latter period but at times seemed too desperate to impress. There were a lot of poorly executed passes. There was a needless bit of aggro with an Albania midfielder at the beginning. The team looked disjointed after halftime. One Albania chance came after Bellingham squandered possession. The yellow card occurred when he was dispossessed to Broja and fouled the former Chelsea striker.

Substitutes Decide

Finally England’s depth proved crucial. Tuchel introduced Phil Foden, who appeared more comfortable to the spot occupied by Bellingham in the opening period, and Saka. In time Saka whipped in a corner for the captain to open the scoring. It highlighted that set pieces will be crucial at the World Cup.

Connection Remains

Nevertheless, Bellingham was the story. The excellence of Rashford’s assist for the second goal was partly forgotten in the ridiculousness of the substitution incident. After the final whistle, the focus was on him. Tuchel walked up behind him and directed Bellingham towards the travelling England fans. The bond between them is not damaged. Tuchel is not willing to give up on Bellingham yet. But if the coach is prepared to offer him a starring role is still uncertain.