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For Bellingham to wants to earn his place back into England’s top starting eleven, he would be wise to eliminate the dramatics. His response upon realizing that he was about to come up following a night of uneven play in Tirana was unacceptable.

"I’d rather not overstate it but I stand by my words 'conduct is crucial' and respect for the players who come in," Tuchel said. "Substitutions happen and you need to comply being a professional."

The midfielder must understand. There was no call for a tantrum. Harry Kane had only moments earlier made it the Three Lions leading by two in a dead rubber qualifier, there were six minutes left and Bellingham, after a below-par performance, had just been booked for bringing down the Albanian striker. This was hardly a debatable decision. Actually it would have been foolish for the head coach to not substitute him given that it was possible the midfielder would be suspended of the opening game of the tournament by receiving a second caution.

Drawing Attention to Himself

However, the player turned the spotlight on himself. No one could overlook the young midfielder's annoyance upon understanding that he was going to make way for another player. He threw his arms up and although he exchanged a handshake after making his way to the bench it was clear that the head coach did not appreciate it.

This is the challenge for Bellingham. He applauded his teammate for delivering the cross for Kane to score the team's second, but everything else was self-defeating. It is not as if protesting was going to reverse the substitution. The coach has stressed repeatedly following squad protocols and the value of acting professionally.

In the Spotlight

Bellingham, omitted from last month’s squad, has faced close inspection after returning to the team recently. Practically he was being assessed and he has not done himself any favours through his behavior to being taken off as England rounded off a perfect qualifying campaign by overcoming a feisty challenge from the Albanian team.

The System and the Setup

This implies opinions are divided on if the team perform optimally when Bellingham plays. What we saw was inconclusive. Some new ideas were tested by the coach in the beginning. He has given the team structure and clarity over the past few matches, employing a No 6, a box-to-box player, a No 10 and out-and-out wingers, but the approach changed versus Albania. Jarell Quansah was made his England debut, the midfielder started for the first time for England and the use of Stones as an auxiliary midfielder meant there was similar look to City's historic treble-winning side.

Inconsistent Display

His performance was inconsistent. He made a chance for Eze after the break but at times seemed trying too hard. Several poorly executed passes. An unnecessary confrontation with an Albania midfielder at the beginning. England were ragged for much of the second half. One Albania chance came after he lost the ball cheaply. His caution was shown after he was dispossessed from Broja and fouled the attacker.

Depth Makes the Difference

Finally England’s depth was decisive. Tuchel introduced the Manchester City player, who seemed better suited to the spot that Bellingham had played during the first half, and Saka. Eventually Saka whipped in a set-piece for Kane to score the first goal. It was a reminder that corners and free-kicks will play a key role at the World Cup.

Connection Remains

However, the focus was on Bellingham. The quality of the winger's delivery for Kane’s header was a little lost in the ridiculousness of the substitution incident. When the match concluded, everyone was watching the midfielder. Tuchel walked up behind him and directed Bellingham in the direction of the English fans. Their connection remains intact. The coach isn't ready to discard him at this stage. Yet whether Tuchel is inclined to give him centre stage is not guaranteed.