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Should Bellingham aims to force his way once again into England’s best starting eleven, he would be wise to do away with the unnecessary reactions. The way he reacted when he saw that his number was about to come up after a match of uneven play in Tirana was unacceptable.

"I’d rather not blow it out of proportion but I stick to my words 'behaviour is key' and respect for the players who enter the game," Tuchel said. "Choices are taken and you have to accept it being a professional."

The midfielder must understand. It was unnecessary for an outburst. Harry Kane had recently scored to make England two goals ahead in an inconsequential qualifier, the game had six minutes to go and he, following an inconsistent display, received a caution for a foul on Armando Broja. This was hardly a debatable decision. Actually it might have been reckless for the head coach to leave Bellingham on given that there was a chance the midfielder would be suspended of the opening game of the competition by getting a second yellow card.

Drawing Attention on Himself

But Bellingham drew all eyes toward himself. There was no disguising the 22-year-old’s disappointment as he realized that he was going to make way for another player. He flung his arms in the air and even though he shook Tuchel’s hand while heading to the touchline there was no doubt that Tuchel was displeased.

Here lies the test for Bellingham. He applauded Rashford for delivering the cross for the captain to head in his second goal, but his other actions was counterproductive. It's not like complaining was going to alter the decision. The coach has repeatedly emphasized following squad protocols and the importance of acting professionally.

Facing Examination

He, omitted from the previous squad, has been under scrutiny since coming back to the team recently. Practically he has been on trial and he has not done himself any favours with his response to coming off the pitch as the national team completed a ideal group stage by overcoming a feisty challenge from the Albanian team.

Tactics and Formation

As a result the jury is out on if the squad function at their best with Bellingham in the team. What we saw was not definitive. Some new ideas were tested from the manager at the start. Under him, England have gained the squad structure and clarity lately, using a defensive midfielder, a central midfielder, an attacking midfielder and specialist wingers, but the approach changed against Albania. Quansah was given his first cap, Wharton was in the starting lineup for England and the role of Stones as a makeshift midfielder meant there was faint echo to the Manchester club's team that won three trophies.

Mixed Performance

Bellingham had ups and downs. He set up a shot for Eberechi Eze in the latter period but frequently appeared trying too hard. He made many hurried and errant passes. A pointless clash with a rival player at the beginning. The team looked disjointed for much of the second half. A scoring chance for the opponents came after Bellingham gave the ball away. His caution was shown after he lost the ball by Broja and fouled the attacker.

Substitutes Decide

Finally England’s depth was decisive. The coach brought on Foden, who seemed more naturally fitted to the position that Bellingham had played earlier in the match, and the Arsenal winger. In time Saka whipped in a set-piece for Kane to break the deadlock. This served as a reminder that set pieces will play a key role next summer.

Connection Remains

Nevertheless, Bellingham was the story. The excellence of the winger's delivery for Kane’s header was somewhat overlooked in the ridiculousness of the Rogers substitution. After the final whistle, everyone was watching Bellingham. The coach approached to his side and directed Bellingham in the direction of the travelling England fans. Their relationship remains intact. The coach isn't ready to give up on the player just yet. Yet whether Tuchel is inclined to give him the central position remains in doubt.