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For Bellingham to wants to force his way once again into the English strongest squad, he would be wise to cut out the dramatics. His response upon realizing that the substitute board was going up after an evening of inconsistency in the match against Albania was unacceptable.

"I don’t want to blow it out of proportion but I stick to my words 'behaviour is key' and respect for the players who come in," Tuchel said. "Substitutions happen and you need to comply as a player."

There is a lesson for Bellingham. There was no call for a tantrum. Harry Kane had just put the national team leading by two in a meaningless match, the game had six minutes to go and he, following an inconsistent display, had just been booked for bringing down an opponent. It was not a questionable change. Indeed it might have been reckless for Tuchel to leave Bellingham on because there was a risk Bellingham would be suspended of the first match of the tournament by receiving a another booking.

Drawing Attention Upon Himself

But Bellingham made himself the center of attention. There was no disguising the 22-year-old’s frustration upon understanding that he would be substituted for a teammate. His arms went up in exasperation and while he exchanged a handshake after making his way to the sideline there was no doubt that the head coach was displeased.

This is the challenge facing Bellingham. He congratulated his teammate for sending in the ball for Harry Kane to nod home the team's second, but the rest was self-defeating. It's not like arguing was going to change Tuchel’s mind. The German has repeatedly emphasized honoring the team structure and the necessity of behaving correctly.

Facing Examination

Bellingham, omitted from the team last month, has faced close inspection upon his return to the squad recently. Practically he was being assessed and his actions haven't benefited him through his behavior to his substitution as the side rounded off a perfect qualifying campaign by overcoming a feisty challenge from Albania.

The Coach's Plan

As a result it's unclear on how the squad perform optimally when Bellingham plays. What we saw was inconclusive. There was experimentation from Tuchel at the start. He has given the squad a clear system lately, building with a holding player, a central midfielder, a No 10 and out-and-out wingers, but there was a different feel against Albania. Quansah was handed his international debut, Wharton started for the first time for England and the use of Stones as a part-time midfielder gave a passing resemblance to the Manchester club's team that won three trophies.

A Game of Two Halves

Bellingham was a mixed bag. He created an opportunity for Eberechi Eze in the latter period but frequently appeared overly eager to shine. Several poorly executed passes. A pointless clash against an opponent at the beginning. The team looked disjointed for much of the second half. An opportunity for Albania came after Bellingham squandered possession. His booking was shown after an opponent took the ball by Broja and brought down Broja.

Substitutes Decide

In the end England’s depth made the difference. Tuchel threw on Phil Foden, who appeared more naturally fitted to the role occupied by Bellingham in the opening period, and Bukayo Saka. Eventually Saka whipped in a corner for Harry Kane to break the deadlock. It was a reminder that set pieces are going to be vital in the upcoming tournament.

Relationship Not Broken

Nevertheless, Bellingham was the story. The brilliance of Rashford’s assist for the second goal was a little lost in the ridiculousness of the Rogers substitution. When the match concluded, the focus was on the midfielder. Tuchel walked up behind him and directed the Real Madrid midfielder to acknowledge the travelling England fans. The bond between them remains intact. The coach isn't ready to discard the player just yet. Yet whether the coach is prepared to grant him centre stage remains in doubt.