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For Bellingham to wants to fight his way back into England’s best squad, it would be smart to eliminate the nonsense. His reaction when he saw that his number was going up following a night of uneven play in Tirana was unacceptable.

"I prefer not to overstate it but I stand by my words 'attitude matters' and consideration for the squad members who enter the game," commented the coach. "Substitutions happen and you need to comply as a player."

Bellingham has to learn. It was unnecessary for a tantrum. Harry Kane had recently scored to make the national team two goals ahead in a meaningless match, the game had six minutes to go and he, who had not played particularly well, was just shown a yellow for fouling the Albanian striker. It was not a debatable decision. Actually it would have been unwise for Tuchel to keep Bellingham on the pitch because it was possible Bellingham would make himself ineligible of the opening game of the competition by picking up a another booking.

Turning the Spotlight to Himself

But Bellingham drew all eyes toward himself. It was impossible to miss the player's annoyance upon understanding that he was going to make way for a teammate. He flung his arms in the air and while he accepted the coach's hand while heading to the bench it was clear that the manager was displeased.

This is the challenge for Bellingham. He applauded his teammate for providing the assist for the captain to nod home his second goal, but the rest was harmful to his cause. There was no chance complaining was going to change Tuchel’s mind. The coach has stressed repeatedly respecting team hierarchies and the value of behaving correctly.

Facing Examination

He, omitted from the team last month, has been under scrutiny upon his return to the fold this month. Practically he has been on trial and his actions haven't benefited him 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

This implies the jury is out on how England function at their best with Bellingham in the team. The evidence here was open to interpretation. There was experimentation by the coach at the start. He has given the team a clear system in recent months, building with a No 6, a central midfielder, an attacking midfielder and specialist wingers, but there was a different feel versus Albania. Quansah was handed his international debut, Adam Wharton started for the first time internationally and the role of John Stones as a makeshift midfielder created a passing resemblance to the Manchester club's team that won three trophies.

Inconsistent Display

Bellingham was a mixed bag. He set up a shot for Eze during the second half but often looked trying too hard. He made many rushed, misplaced passes. An unnecessary confrontation with a rival player in the early stages. England were ragged after halftime. An opportunity for Albania followed Bellingham squandered possession. His caution came after an opponent took the ball from Broja and fouled the former Chelsea striker.

Squad Strength Shows

In the end the bench quality made the difference. Tuchel introduced the Manchester City player, who looked better suited to the position that Bellingham had played during the first half, and Saka. Eventually Saka whipped in a corner kick for Kane to open the scoring. It highlighted that corners and free-kicks will play a key role next summer.

Bridge Still Stands

Still, though, Bellingham was the story. The quality of the winger's delivery for the second goal was a little lost due to the fuss of the Rogers substitution. At the end, the focus was on Bellingham. Tuchel walked up to his side and guided Bellingham to acknowledge the travelling England fans. The bond between them is not broken. The coach isn't ready to abandon Bellingham yet. However, whether Tuchel is inclined to grant him a starring role is not guaranteed.