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For Bellingham to aims to earn his place once again into England’s strongest starting eleven, the smart move to eliminate the dramatics. His response upon realizing that he was about to come up after a match of uneven play in the match against Albania was unacceptable.

"I prefer not to make more out of it but I stand by my words 'conduct is crucial' and respect towards the players who enter the game," commented the coach. "Substitutions happen and you need to comply as a player."

Bellingham has to learn. There was no call for an outburst. The captain had only moments earlier made it England leading by two in an inconsequential match, there were six minutes left and the player, after a below-par performance, received a caution for bringing down the Albanian striker. This could scarcely be called a debatable decision. Indeed it would have been foolish for the manager to leave Bellingham on considering there was a risk Bellingham would be suspended of the first match of the World Cup by picking up a second yellow card.

Drawing Attention to Himself

But Bellingham drew all eyes toward himself. No one could overlook the young midfielder's annoyance upon understanding that he would be substituted for another player. He threw his arms up and although he exchanged a handshake on his way to the touchline it was clear that the head coach was displeased.

This represents the hurdle for Bellingham. He congratulated Rashford for providing the assist for Harry Kane to nod home his second goal, but his other actions was harmful to his cause. It's not like protesting was going to alter the decision. Tuchel has talked so much about following squad protocols and the value of acting professionally.

Facing Examination

The midfielder, omitted from last month’s squad, has faced close inspection since coming back to the fold in the current camp. In effect his place has been in question and his actions haven't benefited him with his response to being taken off as the side completed a ideal group stage by seeing off a spirited effort from Albania.

Tactics and Formation

It means opinions are divided on whether the team function at their best including Bellingham. The performance was inconclusive. There was experimentation by the coach in the beginning. He has provided England structure and clarity over the past few matches, building with a defensive midfielder, a No 8, a No 10 and out-and-out wingers, but it felt different against Albania. Jarell Quansah was handed his international debut, Adam Wharton started for the first time at this level and the role of Stones as a makeshift midfielder meant there was similar look to City's team that won three trophies.

Mixed Performance

Bellingham had ups and downs. He made a chance for his teammate after the break but frequently appeared too desperate to impress. He made many poorly executed passes. A pointless clash with an Albania midfielder early on. England were ragged for much of the second half. An opportunity for Albania came after Bellingham gave the ball away. The yellow card occurred when he was dispossessed to Broja and fouled the attacker.

Substitutes Decide

Finally England’s depth was decisive. Tuchel introduced Foden, who looked more naturally fitted to the position that Bellingham had played in the opening period, and the Arsenal winger. Later Saka delivered a set-piece for Kane to score the first goal. It was a reminder that corners and free-kicks are going to be vital in the upcoming tournament.

Connection Remains

Nevertheless, the focus was on Bellingham. The brilliance of Rashford’s assist for the second goal was a little lost amid the drama of the substitution incident. After the final whistle, all eyes were on the midfielder. Tuchel came over to his side and pushed Bellingham towards the away supporters. The bond between them is not damaged. The coach isn't ready to discard Bellingham yet. However, whether the coach is prepared to grant him a starring role remains in doubt.