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Should Bellingham aims to fight his way into the English top team, it would be smart to cut out the nonsense. His reaction upon realizing that the substitute board was about to come up after an evening of inconsistency in the match against Albania was unacceptable.

"I prefer not to blow it out of proportion but I stand by my words 'conduct is crucial' and consideration for the players who enter the game," Tuchel said. "Substitutions happen and you need to comply when you're on the field."

Bellingham has to learn. There was no call for a tantrum. The captain had only moments earlier made it the Three Lions leading by two in a dead rubber match, the game had six minutes to go and he, who had not played particularly well, had just been booked for bringing down an opponent. This could scarcely be called a controversial substitution. In fact it would have been foolish for Tuchel to leave Bellingham on given that there was a risk the midfielder would rule himself out of the opening game of the World Cup by picking up a second caution.

Turning the Spotlight Upon Himself

However, the player turned the spotlight on himself. No one could overlook the young midfielder's annoyance as he realized that he would be substituted for Morgan Rogers. He threw his arms up and while he shook Tuchel’s hand after making his way to the touchline there was no doubt that the manager was displeased.

Here lies the test facing Bellingham. He praised his teammate for providing the assist for Harry Kane to score his second goal, but everything else was counterproductive. There was no chance protesting was going to alter the decision. The coach has repeatedly emphasized following squad protocols and the importance of behaving correctly.

In the Spotlight

He, not included in last month’s squad, has faced close inspection upon his return to the squad in the current camp. In effect he was being assessed and he has not done himself any favours by reacting to coming off the pitch as the side rounded off a ideal group stage by overcoming a feisty challenge from Albania.

Tactics and Formation

This implies opinions are divided on whether England operate most effectively including Bellingham. What we saw was inconclusive. Some new ideas were tested from the manager at the start. He has given the squad organization and direction lately, using a No 6, a central midfielder, an attacking midfielder and dedicated wide players, but the approach changed versus Albania. Jarell Quansah was given his first cap, Adam Wharton made his first start at this level and the role of Stones as a part-time midfielder gave a passing resemblance to the Manchester club's historic treble-winning side.

Mixed Performance

His performance was inconsistent. He set up a shot for Eberechi Eze in the latter period but frequently appeared too desperate to impress. He made many rushed, misplaced passes. An unnecessary confrontation with a rival player early on. The team looked disjointed after halftime. An opportunity for Albania came after Bellingham gave the ball away. His caution occurred when he lost the ball by Broja and fouled the former Chelsea striker.

Substitutes Decide

In the end the squad's strength proved crucial. The coach brought on Foden, who looked better suited to the position occupied by Bellingham during the first half, and Saka. Eventually Saka whipped in a corner kick for the captain to break the deadlock. This served as a reminder that set pieces will play a key role in the upcoming tournament.

Relationship Not Broken

However, Bellingham was the story. The brilliance of Rashford’s assist for Kane's goal was somewhat overlooked amid the drama of the Rogers substitution. When the match concluded, the focus was on him. Tuchel walked up to his side and pushed the Real Madrid midfielder in the direction of the English fans. Their connection remains intact. The coach isn't ready to discard Bellingham yet. Yet whether the coach is prepared to offer him the central position is not guaranteed.