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Should Bellingham hopes to fight his way once again into the English strongest squad, the smart move to eliminate the nonsense. His reaction when he saw that the substitute board was going up after an evening of inconsistency in Tirana was unacceptable.

"I don’t want to overstate it but I stand by my words 'attitude matters' and respect towards the squad members who come in," stated Tuchel. "Decisions are made and you must accept them being a professional."

Bellingham has to learn. There was no call for a tantrum. Harry Kane had only moments earlier made it England 2-0 up in an inconsequential match, with only six minutes remaining and Bellingham, following an inconsistent display, was just shown a yellow for bringing down Armando Broja. It was not a questionable change. Indeed it would have been unwise for the head coach to not substitute him considering it was possible he would rule himself out of the initial fixture of the World Cup by picking up a second caution.

Turning the Spotlight on Himself

Yet Bellingham drew all eyes toward himself. There was no disguising the 22-year-old’s disappointment when he clocked that he was going to make way for another player. His arms went up in exasperation and although he exchanged a handshake after making his way to the bench it was clear that Tuchel was displeased.

This is the challenge for Bellingham. He applauded Marcus Rashford for delivering the cross for Harry Kane to score his second of the night, but everything else was self-defeating. It is not as if protesting was going to alter the decision. Tuchel has stressed repeatedly respecting team hierarchies and the value of showing proper conduct.

Facing Examination

He, omitted from the previous squad, is being watched carefully after returning to the fold in the current camp. Essentially he was being assessed and he hasn't helped his case through his behavior to his substitution as England wrapped up a perfect qualifying campaign by overcoming a tough opposition from their opponents.

The Coach's Plan

It means the jury is out on if the squad operate most effectively including Bellingham. What we saw was inconclusive. Some new ideas were tested from Tuchel at the start. Under him, England have gained England organization and direction lately, building with a No 6, a central midfielder, a No 10 and out-and-out wingers, but the approach changed against Albania. Jarell Quansah was handed his international debut, the midfielder made his first start for England and the role of Stones as an auxiliary midfielder created a passing resemblance to Manchester City’s 2023 treble winners.

Mixed Performance

Bellingham had ups and downs. He made a chance for his teammate in the latter period but at times seemed too desperate to impress. There were a lot of hurried and errant passes. An unnecessary confrontation against an opponent at the beginning. England were ragged for much of the second half. One Albania chance resulted from Bellingham squandered possession. His booking was shown after he was dispossessed from Broja and brought down Broja.

Substitutes Decide

Finally the squad's strength proved crucial. The coach brought on Phil Foden, who looked more naturally fitted to the position that Bellingham had played in the opening period, and Bukayo Saka. Eventually Saka delivered a set-piece for Kane to open the scoring. This served as a reminder that set pieces are going to be vital next summer.

Connection Remains

Still, though, all talk was about Bellingham. The quality of the winger's delivery for Kane's goal was somewhat overlooked due to the fuss of the Rogers substitution. When the match concluded, everyone was watching Bellingham. Tuchel walked up behind him and pushed the Real Madrid midfielder in the direction of the travelling England fans. Their connection is not damaged. The coach isn't ready to abandon the player just yet. However, whether the coach is prepared to give him a starring role is not guaranteed.