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For Bellingham to wants to force his way into England’s strongest team, the smart move to eliminate the dramatics. His reaction when he saw that his number was about to come up after an evening of uneven play in Tirana fell short of expectations.

"I don’t want to make more out of it but I hold to my words 'attitude matters' and respect towards the players who substitute on," commented the coach. "Choices are taken and you must accept them as a player."

There is a lesson for Bellingham. It was unnecessary for a strop. The captain had recently scored to make the national team leading by two in a dead rubber qualifier, there were six minutes left and Bellingham, who had not played particularly well, had just been booked for a foul on Armando Broja. This could scarcely be called a debatable decision. In fact it would have been foolish for Tuchel to keep Bellingham on the pitch considering it was possible Bellingham 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 made himself the center of attention. There was no disguising the young midfielder's disappointment upon understanding that he was going to make way for another player. He flung his arms in the air and while he accepted the coach's hand after making his way to the sideline it was clear that Tuchel was displeased.

This is the challenge that Bellingham must overcome. He praised his teammate for sending in the ball for Kane to nod home his second goal, but his other actions was self-defeating. There was no chance complaining was going to reverse the substitution. Tuchel has repeatedly emphasized honoring the team structure and the value of behaving correctly.

In the Spotlight

He, omitted from last month’s squad, has faced close inspection after returning to the squad this month. Practically he was being assessed and his actions haven't benefited him by reacting to his substitution as the side wrapped up a perfect qualifying campaign by overcoming a tough opposition from their opponents.

The Coach's Plan

As a result the jury is out on how the squad operate most effectively with Bellingham in the team. The evidence here was not definitive. There was experimentation from the manager early on. He has given the squad a clear system over the past few matches, employing a No 6, a central midfielder, an attacking midfielder and dedicated wide players, but the approach changed against Albania. Quansah was handed his international debut, Wharton started for the first time internationally and the positioning of John Stones as a makeshift midfielder meant there was passing resemblance to the Manchester club's team that won three trophies.

Inconsistent Display

Bellingham was a mixed bag. He made a chance for his teammate after the break but often looked trying too hard. Several poorly executed passes. There was a needless bit of aggro with an Albania midfielder in the early stages. The team looked disjointed for much of the second half. One Albania chance resulted from he lost the ball cheaply. The yellow card occurred when he was dispossessed by Broja and fouled the former Chelsea striker.

Substitutes Decide

Finally the squad's strength made the difference. Tuchel introduced the Manchester City player, who looked more comfortable to the role that Bellingham had played during the first half, and Bukayo Saka. Eventually Saka whipped in a set-piece for Harry Kane to score the first goal. It was a reminder that corners and free-kicks will play a key role at the World Cup.

Relationship Not Broken

Still, though, Bellingham was the story. The excellence of Rashford's cross for Kane’s header was a little lost due to the fuss of the Rogers substitution. At the end, all eyes were on him. Tuchel came over to his side and guided the Real Madrid midfielder towards the English fans. Their connection is not damaged. Tuchel is not willing to discard Bellingham yet. But if Tuchel is inclined to offer him centre stage is still uncertain.