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Should Bellingham aims to fight his way into the English strongest team, the smart move to do away with the dramatics. His response upon realizing that the substitute board was about to come up after a match of inconsistency in the match against Albania fell short of expectations.

"I prefer not to make more out of it but I stand by my words 'conduct is crucial' and respect for the squad members who enter the game," Tuchel said. "Decisions are made and you must accept them when you're on the field."

There is a lesson for Bellingham. There was no call for a tantrum. Kane had just put England two goals ahead in a dead rubber match, the game had six minutes to go and Bellingham, following an inconsistent display, had just been booked for fouling the Albanian striker. This could scarcely be called a debatable decision. Indeed it would have been unwise for the manager to leave Bellingham on considering there was a risk the midfielder would be suspended of the first match of the World Cup by receiving a another booking.

Drawing Attention on Himself

But Bellingham turned the spotlight on himself. No one could overlook the young midfielder's frustration as he realized that he was going to make way for another player. He flung his arms in the air and although he shook Tuchel’s hand while heading to the touchline there was no doubt that the manager did not appreciate it.

Here lies the test for Bellingham. He praised Rashford for delivering the cross for Kane to nod home his second of the night, but his other actions was self-defeating. It is not as if protesting was going to reverse the substitution. The coach has repeatedly emphasized respecting team hierarchies and the necessity of acting professionally.

Under Scrutiny

He, omitted from last month’s squad, has been under scrutiny since coming back to the fold this month. In effect his place has been in question and he hasn't helped his case through his behavior to coming off the pitch as England wrapped up a ideal group stage by defeating a feisty challenge from Albania.

The Coach's Plan

As a result it's unclear on if England function at their best with Bellingham in the team. What we saw was open to interpretation. Tuchel tried new things from the manager at the start. Under him, England have gained England a clear system lately, employing a holding player, a central midfielder, an attacking midfielder and out-and-out wingers, but there was a different feel versus Albania. Jarell Quansah was handed his international debut, the midfielder made his first start for England and the use of Stones as a part-time midfielder meant there was similar look to Manchester City’s historic treble-winning side.

A Game of Two Halves

Bellingham had ups and downs. He set up a shot for his teammate after the break but frequently appeared too desperate to impress. Several hurried and errant passes. There was a needless bit of aggro with an Albania midfielder at the beginning. England's play was messy for much of the second half. An opportunity for Albania followed he lost the ball cheaply. The yellow card was shown after he lost the ball to Broja and brought down the former Chelsea striker.

Substitutes Decide

In the end England’s depth made the difference. Tuchel introduced Phil Foden, who looked more comfortable to the position in which Bellingham operated during the first half, and the Arsenal winger. Eventually Saka provided a corner kick for the captain to open the scoring. It was a reminder that dead-ball situations are going to be vital next summer.

Bridge Still Stands

Nevertheless, Bellingham was the story. The brilliance of Rashford's cross for Kane's goal was a little lost due to the fuss of the substitution incident. After the final whistle, everyone was watching the midfielder. The coach approached from behind and directed the Real Madrid midfielder towards the English fans. Their connection remains intact. Tuchel hasn't decided to give up on him at this stage. However, whether he is willing to give him the central position remains in doubt.