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Should Bellingham hopes to fight his way once again into England’s strongest starting eleven, the smart move to cut out the unnecessary reactions. His response after noticing that he was about to come up after a match of mixed performance in Tirana was not good enough.

"I don’t want to make more out of it but I stand by my words 'conduct is crucial' and respect for the teammates who come in," stated Tuchel. "Substitutions happen and you have to accept it when you're on the field."

The midfielder must understand. There was no call for an outburst. The captain had just put the national team 2-0 up in an inconsequential qualifier, the game had six minutes to go and Bellingham, following an inconsistent display, received a caution for fouling an opponent. It was not a controversial substitution. Indeed it would have been foolish for the head coach to keep Bellingham on the pitch considering it was possible the midfielder would make himself ineligible of the opening game of the tournament by picking up a another booking.

Shifting Focus on Himself

Yet Bellingham drew all eyes toward himself. No one could overlook the 22-year-old’s disappointment as he realized that he would be substituted for a teammate. His arms went up in exasperation and although he exchanged a handshake while heading to the sideline it was clear that Tuchel was not impressed.

This is the challenge that Bellingham must overcome. He applauded his teammate for providing the assist for Kane to score the team's second, but his other actions was counterproductive. There was no chance protesting was going to alter the decision. The coach has repeatedly emphasized respecting team hierarchies and the value of acting professionally.

Facing Examination

Bellingham, omitted from the previous squad, has been under scrutiny upon his return to the squad this month. Essentially he was being assessed and his actions haven't benefited him through his behavior to his substitution as the side rounded off a ideal group stage by defeating a spirited effort from the Albanian team.

The Coach's Plan

This implies it's unclear on how the squad operate most effectively including Bellingham. What we saw was not definitive. Some new ideas were tested from the manager at the start. He has given the squad structure and clarity over the past few matches, using a No 6, a box-to-box player, a playmaker and out-and-out wingers, but there was a different feel against Albania. The young defender was handed his international debut, Wharton started for the first time internationally and the role of Stones as a makeshift midfielder meant there was similar look to Manchester City’s team that won three trophies.

A Game of Two Halves

Bellingham had ups and downs. He made a chance for Eberechi Eze in the latter period but at times seemed trying too hard. He made many rushed, misplaced passes. There was a needless bit of aggro with a rival player at the beginning. The team looked disjointed for much of the second half. An opportunity for Albania resulted from Bellingham gave the ball away. The yellow card occurred when an opponent took the ball from Broja and fouled the former Chelsea striker.

Depth Makes the Difference

In the end the bench quality was decisive. Tuchel introduced Phil Foden, who looked more comfortable to the role that Bellingham had played during the first half, and Bukayo Saka. In time Saka whipped in a set-piece for the captain to break the deadlock. This served as a reminder that set pieces 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 a little lost due to the fuss of the substitution incident. When the match concluded, everyone was watching Bellingham. The coach approached to his side and directed the player towards the travelling England fans. Their relationship is not broken. The coach isn't ready to give up on him at this stage. But if he is willing to grant him centre stage is still uncertain.