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For Bellingham to hopes to force his way once again into the English best starting eleven, he would be wise to eliminate the nonsense. The way he reacted after noticing that he was being shown following a night of inconsistency in Tirana fell short of expectations.

"I don’t want to blow it out of proportion but I stand by my words 'attitude matters' and consideration for the squad members who come in," stated Tuchel. "Substitutions happen and you must accept them being a professional."

There is a lesson for Bellingham. There was no need for an outburst. Kane had recently scored to make England two goals ahead in an inconsequential match, the game had six minutes to go and the player, following an inconsistent display, was just shown a yellow for fouling an opponent. This could scarcely be called a debatable decision. Actually it might have been reckless for Tuchel to keep Bellingham on the pitch considering there was a risk he would make himself ineligible of the opening game of the competition by picking up a second caution.

Shifting Focus Upon Himself

However, the player turned the spotlight on himself. No one could overlook the young midfielder's annoyance when he clocked that he was going to make way for a teammate. His arms went up in exasperation and even though he shook Tuchel’s hand on his way to the touchline there was no doubt that the manager did not appreciate it.

This is the challenge for Bellingham. He applauded Marcus Rashford for providing the assist for the captain to score his second goal, but his other actions was counterproductive. There was no chance protesting was going to change Tuchel’s mind. The coach has repeatedly emphasized honoring the team structure and the importance of behaving correctly.

In the Spotlight

He, omitted from the team last month, has been under scrutiny upon his return to the squad recently. Practically his place has been in question and he has not done himself any favours through his behavior to his substitution as the side completed a ideal group stage by seeing off a feisty challenge from Albania.

Tactics and Formation

It means it's unclear on how the team perform optimally when Bellingham plays. The performance was inconclusive. Some new ideas were tested by the coach early on. He has given the team organization and direction lately, building with a No 6, a central midfielder, an attacking midfielder and out-and-out wingers, but there was a different feel in this match. Jarell Quansah was made his England debut, Adam Wharton made his first start at this level and the role of the defender as an auxiliary midfielder meant there was similar look to Manchester City’s team that won three trophies.

Mixed Performance

Bellingham had ups and downs. He created an opportunity for Eze in the latter period but at times seemed overly eager to shine. He made many hurried and errant passes. An unnecessary confrontation with an Albania midfielder early on. England were ragged for much of the second half. One Albania chance came after he lost the ball cheaply. The yellow card was shown after an opponent took the ball to Broja and committed a foul on the attacker.

Depth Makes the Difference

Ultimately the squad's strength made the difference. Tuchel introduced Phil Foden, who appeared more comfortable to the position in which Bellingham operated earlier in the match, and Bukayo Saka. Eventually Saka delivered a set-piece for Kane to break the deadlock. It highlighted that set pieces will be crucial at the World Cup.

Connection Remains

Still, though, Bellingham was the story. The brilliance of the winger's delivery for Kane’s header was a little lost due to the fuss of the Rogers substitution. At the end, all eyes were on Bellingham. The coach approached behind him and directed the player in the direction of the away supporters. Their relationship remains intact. Tuchel is not willing to give up on Bellingham yet. However, whether he is willing to grant him the central position is not guaranteed.