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For Bellingham to wants to force his way into the English strongest squad, the smart move to do away with the unnecessary reactions. His reaction when he saw that the substitute board was about to come up after an evening of inconsistency in Tirana was unacceptable.

"I prefer not to overstate it but I stand by my words 'attitude matters' and respect towards the squad members who enter the game," commented the coach. "Choices are taken and you need to comply when you're on the field."

There is a lesson for Bellingham. There was no call for a tantrum. Kane had just put the national team two goals ahead in an inconsequential fixture, with only six minutes remaining and the player, following an inconsistent display, received a caution for fouling an opponent. This could scarcely be called a questionable change. Actually it would have been unwise for the head coach to leave Bellingham on considering there was a risk Bellingham would be suspended of the initial fixture of the competition by getting a second yellow card.

Drawing Attention Upon Himself

However, the player turned the spotlight on himself. There was no disguising the player's frustration upon understanding that he was going to make way for a teammate. He threw his arms up and while he exchanged a handshake on his way to the sideline it was clear that the head coach did not appreciate it.

This is the challenge that Bellingham must overcome. He applauded Marcus Rashford for delivering the cross for Kane to nod home his second of the night, but the rest was harmful to his cause. It's not like arguing was going to reverse the substitution. The coach has repeatedly emphasized following squad protocols and the necessity of showing proper conduct.

Facing Examination

Bellingham, not included in last month’s squad, has been under scrutiny upon his return to the fold in the current camp. In effect he was being assessed and his actions haven't benefited him by reacting to his substitution as England completed 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 team operate most effectively when Bellingham plays. What we saw was open to interpretation. There was experimentation by the coach in the beginning. He has given England a clear system lately, employing a defensive midfielder, a central midfielder, an attacking midfielder and dedicated wide players, but the approach changed in this match. The young defender was handed his international debut, the midfielder was in the starting lineup for England and the use of John Stones as an auxiliary midfielder meant there was passing resemblance to Manchester City’s 2023 treble winners.

Inconsistent Display

His performance was inconsistent. He created an opportunity for Eze during the second half but at times seemed overly eager to shine. He made many hurried and errant passes. A pointless clash against an opponent early on. The team looked disjointed after halftime. One Albania chance came after Bellingham squandered possession. His booking occurred when he lost the ball by Broja and brought down the attacker.

Substitutes Decide

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

Bridge Still Stands

However, the focus was on Bellingham. The quality of Rashford’s assist for Kane's goal was partly forgotten amid the drama of the player change. When the match concluded, the focus was on the midfielder. Tuchel walked up to his side and pushed the Real Madrid midfielder in the direction of the travelling England fans. Their connection is not broken. Tuchel is not willing to abandon the player just yet. But if he is willing to give him a starring role remains in doubt.