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Should Bellingham aims to fight his way into the English best team, it would be smart to do away with the unnecessary reactions. His reaction after noticing that the substitute board was going up after a match of mixed performance in the match against Albania was not good enough.

"I don’t want to blow it out of proportion but I stand by my words 'conduct is crucial' and consideration for the squad members who enter the game," stated Tuchel. "Substitutions happen and you have to accept it being a professional."

There is a lesson for Bellingham. There was no need for a strop. Harry Kane had just put the Three Lions leading by two in a meaningless qualifier, there were six minutes left and the player, following an inconsistent display, was just shown a yellow for fouling the Albanian striker. This was hardly a controversial substitution. In fact it might have been reckless for the manager to keep Bellingham on the pitch considering it was possible the midfielder would make himself ineligible of the initial fixture of the tournament by getting a second caution.

Turning the Spotlight to Himself

But Bellingham turned the spotlight on himself. No one could overlook the young midfielder's frustration when he clocked that he was going to make way for a teammate. He flung his arms in the air and even though he exchanged a handshake after making his way to the bench it was clear that Tuchel was displeased.

Here lies the test for Bellingham. He congratulated Rashford for delivering the cross for Harry Kane to nod home his second goal, but everything else was harmful to his cause. There was no chance arguing was going to reverse the substitution. The coach has talked so much about following squad protocols and the necessity of behaving correctly.

Facing Examination

Bellingham, omitted from last month’s squad, is being watched carefully after returning to the squad recently. Essentially he has been on trial and he has not done himself any favours with his response to his substitution as England wrapped up a ideal group stage by defeating a tough opposition from the Albanian team.

Tactics and Formation

As a result opinions are divided on if England perform optimally including Bellingham. The evidence here was not definitive. Some new ideas were tested from the manager at the start. Under him, England have gained England a clear system lately, using a defensive midfielder, a No 8, a No 10 and dedicated wide players, but the approach changed versus Albania. Jarell Quansah was handed his international debut, Wharton started for the first time at this level and the role of Stones as a part-time midfielder created a faint echo to Manchester City’s team that won three trophies.

A Game of Two Halves

His performance was inconsistent. He created an opportunity for Eberechi Eze after the break but often looked overly eager to shine. There were a lot of poorly executed passes. A pointless clash with an Albania midfielder early on. England were ragged for much of the second half. An opportunity for Albania followed he lost the ball cheaply. His caution occurred when he lost the ball to Broja and fouled the former Chelsea striker.

Substitutes Decide

Finally England’s depth proved crucial. The coach brought on the Manchester City player, who seemed more comfortable to the role that Bellingham had played in the opening period, and the Arsenal winger. Eventually Saka provided a corner for Harry Kane to break the deadlock. This served as a reminder that set pieces will play a key role at the World Cup.

Bridge Still Stands

Nevertheless, all talk was about Bellingham. The brilliance of the winger's delivery for Kane’s header was partly forgotten due to the fuss of the Rogers substitution. After the final whistle, all eyes were on the midfielder. The coach approached to his side and directed the player in the direction of the away supporters. Their connection is not damaged. The coach isn't ready to give up on Bellingham yet. But if he is willing to offer him the central position is still uncertain.