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For Bellingham to aims to force his way into the English top starting eleven, it would be smart to eliminate the unnecessary reactions. His response upon realizing that the substitute board was going up after a match of mixed performance in the match against Albania fell short of expectations.

"I’d rather not overstate it but I hold to my words 'conduct is crucial' and respect towards the teammates who come in," commented the coach. "Choices are taken and you need to comply when you're on the field."

There is a lesson for Bellingham. It was unnecessary for an outburst. Kane had just put the Three Lions 2-0 up in a meaningless match, the game had six minutes to go and the player, after a below-par performance, was just shown a yellow for fouling Armando Broja. It was not a debatable decision. In fact it might have been reckless for the manager to not substitute him because there was a risk Bellingham would be suspended of the opening game of the World Cup by getting a second caution.

Shifting Focus on Himself

Yet Bellingham made himself the center of attention. It was impossible to miss the player's frustration upon understanding that his replacement was ready for Morgan Rogers. He flung his arms in the air and while he exchanged a handshake on his way to the bench it was clear that Tuchel was displeased.

Here lies the test facing Bellingham. He congratulated Rashford for delivering the cross for the captain to score his second goal, but everything else was counterproductive. It's not like arguing was going to change Tuchel’s mind. Tuchel has stressed repeatedly respecting team hierarchies and the value of behaving correctly.

In the Spotlight

The midfielder, left out of the team last month, has been under scrutiny since coming back to the team this month. In effect he has been on trial and he hasn't helped his case through his behavior to his substitution as the side completed a perfect qualifying campaign by seeing off a tough opposition from Albania.

Tactics and Formation

It means the jury is out on how the squad perform optimally with Bellingham in the team. The evidence here was inconclusive. Some new ideas were tested by the coach at the start. He has provided England structure and clarity in recent months, using a holding player, a box-to-box player, a playmaker and out-and-out wingers, but it felt different versus Albania. The young defender was given his first cap, Wharton was in the starting lineup for England and the positioning of John Stones as a makeshift midfielder created a passing resemblance to City's 2023 treble winners.

Mixed Performance

Bellingham was a mixed bag. He made a chance for Eze during the second half but at times seemed overly eager to shine. He made many rushed, misplaced passes. An unnecessary confrontation with a rival player at the beginning. England were ragged after halftime. An opportunity for Albania resulted from he lost the ball cheaply. His booking came after he was dispossessed to Broja and fouled Broja.

Squad Strength Shows

In the end the squad's strength made the difference. Tuchel threw on Foden, who seemed more naturally fitted to the role occupied by Bellingham earlier in the match, and the Arsenal winger. In time Saka whipped in a corner kick for Kane to open the scoring. It highlighted that corners and free-kicks will be crucial at the World Cup.

Relationship Not Broken

Still, though, all talk was about Bellingham. The excellence of Rashford's cross for the second goal was partly forgotten due to the fuss of the Rogers substitution. When the match concluded, the focus was on him. Tuchel walked up behind him and directed the Real Madrid midfielder towards the away supporters. The bond between them is not damaged. The coach isn't ready to abandon him at this stage. However, whether the coach is prepared to offer him centre stage is not guaranteed.