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Should Bellingham aims to earn his place into the English strongest team, the smart move to cut out the nonsense. His response after noticing that he was being shown after a match of uneven play in Tirana was unacceptable.

"I’d rather not overstate it but I hold to my words 'behaviour is key' and respect towards the players who enter the game," Tuchel said. "Substitutions happen and you need to comply when you're on the field."

The midfielder must understand. There was no need for a strop. The captain had recently scored to make the national team leading by two in a meaningless fixture, the game had six minutes to go and the player, following an inconsistent display, had just been booked for fouling an opponent. This was hardly a controversial substitution. Actually it would have been unwise for the manager to not substitute him given that there was a chance he would make himself ineligible of the initial fixture of the tournament by getting a another booking.

Shifting Focus on Himself

However, the player turned the spotlight on himself. There was no disguising the 22-year-old’s disappointment upon understanding that he was going to make way for another player. He threw his arms up and although he accepted the coach's hand after making his way to the touchline it was obvious that Tuchel was displeased.

Here lies the test that Bellingham must overcome. He applauded his teammate for delivering the cross for the captain to score his second of the night, but his other actions was harmful to his cause. It's not like protesting was going to reverse the substitution. Tuchel has stressed repeatedly honoring the team structure and the value of showing proper conduct.

In the Spotlight

Bellingham, omitted from the team last month, has faced close inspection upon his return to the team recently. In effect his place has been in question and he hasn't helped his case by reacting to being taken off as England completed a flawless qualification run by overcoming a tough opposition from Albania.

The Coach's Plan

As a result it's unclear on if the team operate most effectively with Bellingham in the team. The performance was open to interpretation. Some new ideas were tested from the manager early on. He has given England structure and clarity lately, employing a No 6, a No 8, a No 10 and out-and-out wingers, but there was a different feel in this match. Quansah was made his England debut, the midfielder started for the first time at this level and the positioning of Stones as an auxiliary midfielder meant there was passing resemblance to City's historic treble-winning side.

Inconsistent Display

Bellingham had ups and downs. He set up a shot for Eze during the second half but at times seemed trying too hard. There were a lot of hurried and errant passes. A pointless clash with a rival player at the beginning. The team looked disjointed for much of the second half. A scoring chance for the opponents followed he lost the ball cheaply. His caution occurred when he lost the ball to Broja and fouled the former Chelsea striker.

Depth Makes the Difference

Finally England’s depth was decisive. The coach brought on Foden, who looked better suited to the spot occupied by Bellingham during the first half, and Saka. Later Saka provided a set-piece for Harry Kane to score the first goal. It highlighted that corners and free-kicks are going to be vital next summer.

Connection Remains

However, Bellingham was the story. The quality of Rashford's cross for Kane’s header was a little lost amid the drama of the substitution incident. When the match concluded, everyone was watching the midfielder. The coach approached behind him and guided Bellingham to acknowledge the English fans. Their connection is not broken. Tuchel hasn't decided to abandon him at this stage. But if the coach is prepared to offer him centre stage remains in doubt.