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For Bellingham to hopes to force his way once again into England’s top starting eleven, it would be smart to eliminate the nonsense. His response when he saw that the substitute board was about to come up after a match of inconsistency in the match against Albania was unacceptable.

"I’d rather not make more out of it but I hold to my words 'attitude matters' and consideration for the squad members who enter the game," Tuchel said. "Choices are taken and you need to comply as a player."

Bellingham has to learn. There was no need for a strop. Kane had recently scored to make England two goals ahead in an inconsequential qualifier, with only six minutes remaining and the player, following an inconsistent display, had just been booked for bringing down Armando Broja. This was hardly a debatable decision. Indeed it would have been foolish for the manager to keep Bellingham on the pitch considering there was a chance the midfielder would rule himself out of the initial fixture of the World Cup by getting a another booking.

Drawing Attention to Himself

But Bellingham made himself the center of attention. There was no disguising the player's annoyance as he realized that his replacement was ready for another player. He flung his arms in the air and while he accepted the coach's hand while heading to the touchline it was obvious that Tuchel did not appreciate it.

Here lies the test that Bellingham must overcome. He congratulated Rashford for sending in the ball for Kane to score his second of the night, but the rest was self-defeating. It is not as if protesting was going to reverse the substitution. The German has repeatedly emphasized respecting team hierarchies and the value of showing proper conduct.

Facing Examination

The midfielder, omitted from the team last month, has faced close inspection upon his return to the fold this month. Essentially he was being assessed and he hasn't helped his case through his behavior to coming off the pitch as the side wrapped up a perfect qualifying campaign by overcoming a feisty challenge from their opponents.

Tactics and Formation

This implies the jury is out on how the squad function at their best including Bellingham. What we saw was not definitive. Tuchel tried new things from the manager early on. Under him, England have gained England a clear system in recent months, employing a holding player, a No 8, a No 10 and out-and-out wingers, but it felt different against Albania. Quansah was made his England debut, Adam Wharton started for the first time at this level and the use of Stones as a makeshift midfielder meant there was similar look to City's historic treble-winning side.

Mixed Performance

Bellingham had ups and downs. He set up a shot for his teammate after the break but frequently appeared trying too hard. Several poorly executed passes. There was a needless bit of aggro with a rival player early on. England's play was messy after halftime. An opportunity for Albania resulted from he lost the ball cheaply. The yellow card came after an opponent took the ball from Broja and brought down the attacker.

Substitutes Decide

Ultimately England’s depth was decisive. Tuchel introduced Phil Foden, who appeared more naturally fitted to the spot occupied by Bellingham in the opening period, and Bukayo Saka. In time Saka whipped in a corner for Harry Kane to score the first goal. It highlighted that set pieces will be crucial next summer.

Connection Remains

However, Bellingham was the story. The quality of the winger's delivery for the second goal was somewhat overlooked due to the fuss of the substitution incident. At the end, all eyes were on Bellingham. Tuchel walked up from behind and directed the player towards the away supporters. Their connection is not damaged. Tuchel is not willing to give up on Bellingham yet. However, whether the coach is prepared to give him the central position is not guaranteed.