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For Bellingham to aims to earn his place once again into the English best team, the smart move to cut out the unnecessary reactions. His response after noticing that his number was going up after a match of mixed performance in the match against Albania fell short of expectations.

"I don’t want to overstate it but I stick to my words 'behaviour is key' and consideration for the players who substitute on," commented the coach. "Choices are taken and you have to accept it when you're on the field."

There is a lesson for Bellingham. There was no need for a strop. Kane had recently scored to make England two goals ahead in a meaningless match, with only six minutes remaining and Bellingham, after a below-par performance, received a caution for a foul on an opponent. This was hardly a controversial substitution. In fact it would have been foolish for the head coach to leave Bellingham on given that there was a risk the midfielder would be suspended of the initial fixture of the tournament by picking up a another booking.

Drawing Attention Upon Himself

Yet Bellingham turned the spotlight on himself. No one could overlook the 22-year-old’s disappointment as he realized that his replacement was ready for another player. His arms went up in exasperation and while he exchanged a handshake after making his way to the touchline it was obvious that Tuchel was not impressed.

Here lies the test that Bellingham must overcome. He congratulated Marcus Rashford for providing the assist for Kane to nod home the team's second, but everything else was self-defeating. There was no chance arguing was going to reverse the substitution. The coach has talked so much about respecting team hierarchies and the necessity of acting professionally.

Facing Examination

He, omitted from the team last month, is being watched carefully upon his return to the squad recently. Essentially he was being assessed and his actions haven't benefited him through his behavior to his substitution as England wrapped up a flawless qualification run by defeating a spirited effort from their opponents.

Tactics and Formation

It means the jury is out on how England perform optimally when Bellingham plays. The evidence here was not definitive. Some new ideas were tested by the coach in the beginning. Under him, England have gained the team organization and direction over the past few matches, using a No 6, a No 8, a playmaker and dedicated wide players, but there was a different feel versus Albania. Quansah was given his first cap, the midfielder made his first start internationally and the role of Stones as a makeshift midfielder gave a similar look to City's team that won three trophies.

Inconsistent Display

Bellingham was a mixed bag. He set up a shot for Eze after the break but at times seemed trying too hard. There were a lot of rushed, misplaced passes. There was a needless bit of aggro with a rival player at the beginning. England were ragged after halftime. One Albania chance followed Bellingham squandered possession. His caution came after an opponent took the ball to Broja and committed a foul on Broja.

Depth Makes the Difference

Ultimately the bench quality was decisive. The coach brought on the Manchester City player, who seemed more comfortable to the position that Bellingham had played in the opening period, and Bukayo Saka. Eventually Saka provided a corner for Kane to open the scoring. This served as a reminder that corners and free-kicks will play a key role at the World Cup.

Relationship Not Broken

Nevertheless, Bellingham was the story. The excellence of the winger's delivery for Kane’s header was somewhat overlooked due to the fuss of the player change. After the final whistle, everyone was watching the midfielder. The coach approached behind him and pushed the player in the direction of the away supporters. Their relationship is not broken. The coach isn't ready to give up on Bellingham yet. However, whether the coach is prepared to grant him centre stage remains in doubt.