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Should Bellingham aims to force his way once again into the English best squad, the smart move to cut out the dramatics. His response upon realizing that he was about to come up after an evening of uneven play in Tirana was not good enough.

"I don’t want to overstate it but I stick to my words 'attitude matters' and respect towards the players who come in," stated Tuchel. "Choices are taken and you have to accept it being a professional."

Bellingham has to learn. There was no need for an outburst. The captain had only moments earlier made it England two goals ahead in a meaningless fixture, there were six minutes left and Bellingham, after a below-par performance, received a caution for bringing down Armando Broja. This could scarcely be called a questionable change. Actually it might have been reckless for the manager to not substitute him because there was a risk he would make himself ineligible of the opening game of the competition by receiving a another booking.

Turning the Spotlight on Himself

But Bellingham drew all eyes toward himself. There was no disguising the 22-year-old’s annoyance as he realized that he would be substituted for Morgan Rogers. He flung his arms in the air and although he shook Tuchel’s hand after making his way to the bench it was clear that the head coach did not appreciate it.

Here lies the test that Bellingham must overcome. He applauded Marcus Rashford for providing the assist for Harry Kane to head in his second of the night, but his other actions was self-defeating. There was no chance protesting was going to reverse the substitution. The German has talked so much about respecting team hierarchies and the necessity of showing proper conduct.

Facing Examination

The midfielder, omitted from the previous squad, has been under scrutiny after returning to the squad in the current camp. Practically his place has been in question and his actions haven't benefited him by reacting to his substitution as the side wrapped up a flawless qualification run by defeating a tough opposition from the Albanian team.

The Coach's Plan

This implies the jury is out on if the squad operate most effectively when Bellingham plays. The evidence here was open to interpretation. Some new ideas were tested from the manager at the start. He has given the team organization and direction in recent months, employing a holding player, a No 8, a No 10 and out-and-out wingers, but there was a different feel versus Albania. Jarell Quansah was given his first cap, Wharton was in the starting lineup at this level and the use of Stones as a part-time midfielder gave a faint echo to City's team that won three trophies.

Inconsistent Display

Bellingham was a mixed bag. He created an opportunity for Eberechi Eze after the break but often looked overly eager to shine. He made many hurried and errant passes. An unnecessary confrontation with an Albania midfielder early on. England were ragged after halftime. One Albania chance followed he lost the ball cheaply. His booking occurred when he lost the ball to Broja and committed a foul on the former Chelsea striker.

Squad Strength Shows

Ultimately England’s depth made the difference. The coach brought on Phil Foden, who appeared more comfortable to the position that Bellingham had played in the opening period, and Saka. In time Saka delivered a corner kick for the captain to score the first goal. It highlighted that corners and free-kicks will be crucial in the upcoming tournament.

Relationship Not Broken

However, all talk was about Bellingham. The brilliance of Rashford’s assist for the second goal was a little lost due to the fuss of the substitution incident. When the match concluded, the focus was on him. Tuchel came over to his side and directed the Real Madrid midfielder in the direction of the travelling England fans. Their connection remains intact. Tuchel hasn't decided to give up on the player just yet. Yet whether Tuchel is inclined to grant him the central position is not guaranteed.