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For Bellingham to wants to fight his way once again into the English best squad, the smart move to cut out the dramatics. His reaction when he saw that the substitute board was about to come up following a night of mixed performance in Tirana was not good enough.

"I prefer not to overstate it but I stand by my words 'behaviour is key' and respect for the squad members who substitute on," stated Tuchel. "Decisions are made and you have to accept it being a professional."

Bellingham has to learn. It was unnecessary for a strop. The captain had just put the national team two goals ahead in a meaningless match, with only six minutes remaining and he, after a below-par performance, had just been booked for fouling an opponent. This could scarcely be called a debatable decision. Indeed it would have been unwise for the manager to not substitute him given that there was a risk he would make himself ineligible of the opening game of the World Cup by getting a second yellow card.

Turning the Spotlight to Himself

However, the player made himself the center of attention. It was impossible to miss the 22-year-old’s disappointment as he realized that he would be substituted for another player. He flung his arms in the air and although he accepted the coach's hand while heading to the sideline it was obvious that the manager was not impressed.

Here lies the test facing Bellingham. He congratulated his teammate for delivering the cross for Harry Kane to nod home the team's second, but everything else was counterproductive. It's not like arguing was going to alter the decision. Tuchel has repeatedly emphasized following squad protocols and the importance of behaving correctly.

Under Scrutiny

He, left out of the team last month, is being watched carefully after returning to the team recently. In effect he has been on trial and he has not done himself any favours with his response to being taken off as the side wrapped up a flawless qualification run by defeating a feisty challenge from the Albanian team.

Tactics and Formation

It means it's unclear on if the team function at their best with Bellingham in the team. What we saw was inconclusive. There was experimentation from Tuchel at the start. Under him, England have gained the squad organization and direction lately, employing a No 6, a No 8, an attacking midfielder and dedicated wide players, but the approach changed in this match. Quansah was made his England debut, Adam Wharton made his first start for England and the role of Stones as a part-time midfielder meant there was passing resemblance to the Manchester club's team that won three trophies.

A Game of Two Halves

Bellingham had ups and downs. He made a chance for Eberechi Eze during the second half but at times seemed overly eager to shine. Several poorly executed passes. There was a needless bit of aggro with an Albania midfielder at the beginning. The team looked disjointed after halftime. A scoring chance for the opponents resulted from Bellingham gave the ball away. His caution was shown after he lost the ball by Broja and brought down Broja.

Substitutes Decide

Finally England’s depth made the difference. Tuchel threw on the Manchester City player, who looked more naturally fitted to the position in which Bellingham operated during the first half, and Bukayo Saka. Later Saka provided a corner kick for Kane to break the deadlock. It highlighted that dead-ball situations will be crucial at the World Cup.

Bridge Still Stands

Still, though, Bellingham was the story. The excellence of the winger's delivery for Kane's goal was a little lost amid the drama of the Rogers substitution. After the final whistle, everyone was watching Bellingham. The coach approached to his side and directed the Real Madrid midfielder towards the travelling England fans. Their relationship is not broken. Tuchel is not willing to discard Bellingham yet. Yet whether he is willing to grant him centre stage is not guaranteed.