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For Bellingham to wants to force his way once again into England’s strongest team, the smart move to eliminate the nonsense. His response upon realizing that he was going up after an evening of uneven play in Tirana was not good enough.

"I’d rather not make more out of it but I hold to my words 'conduct is crucial' and respect towards the teammates who substitute on," Tuchel said. "Substitutions happen and you must accept them as a player."

The midfielder must understand. There was no need for a strop. Kane had just put England leading by two in an inconsequential qualifier, with only six minutes remaining and the player, who had not played particularly well, was just shown a yellow for a foul on the Albanian striker. It was not a questionable change. In fact it might have been reckless for the manager to not substitute him considering it was possible Bellingham would make himself ineligible of the initial fixture of the tournament by receiving a another booking.

Drawing Attention on Himself

However, the player drew all eyes toward himself. It was impossible to miss the young midfielder's disappointment upon understanding that he would be substituted for another player. He threw his arms up and although he accepted the coach's hand while heading to the touchline it was obvious that the head coach was displeased.

This is the challenge facing Bellingham. He congratulated his teammate for providing the assist for the captain to head in his second goal, but the rest was counterproductive. It is not as if complaining was going to reverse the substitution. Tuchel has talked so much about honoring the team structure and the importance of acting professionally.

In the Spotlight

He, omitted from the previous squad, has been under scrutiny since coming back to the team this month. Practically he has been on trial and he has not done himself any favours by reacting to his substitution as the national team rounded off a ideal group stage by defeating a feisty challenge from Albania.

Tactics and Formation

This implies the jury is out on whether the team operate most effectively when Bellingham plays. The performance was not definitive. Tuchel tried new things from Tuchel at the start. He has provided the squad organization and direction over the past few matches, building with a defensive midfielder, a box-to-box player, an attacking midfielder and out-and-out wingers, but the approach changed against Albania. Quansah was given his first cap, Wharton made his first start internationally and the use of the defender as a makeshift 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 Eberechi Eze after the break but at times seemed trying too hard. He made many rushed, misplaced passes. A pointless clash with a rival player in the early stages. The team looked disjointed during most of the second period. One Albania chance followed Bellingham gave the ball away. His caution occurred when he was dispossessed to Broja and brought down the attacker.

Substitutes Decide

In the end England’s depth was decisive. Tuchel threw on Phil Foden, who looked more naturally fitted to the spot 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. It was a reminder that corners and free-kicks will be crucial in the upcoming tournament.

Connection Remains

Nevertheless, Bellingham was the story. The quality of Rashford's cross for the second goal was somewhat overlooked in the ridiculousness of the player change. At the end, the focus was on the midfielder. Tuchel walked up to his side and pushed the player in the direction of the travelling England fans. Their relationship is not damaged. Tuchel is not willing to discard the player just yet. But if he is willing to grant him the central position remains in doubt.