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For Bellingham to aims to force his way back into the English strongest starting eleven, the smart move to do away with the unnecessary reactions. His reaction upon realizing that the substitute board was going up after a match of inconsistency in Tirana was unacceptable.

"I’d rather not overstate it but I stick to my words 'attitude matters' and consideration for the players who enter the game," stated Tuchel. "Substitutions happen and you need to comply as a player."

There is a lesson for Bellingham. There was no need for a tantrum. Kane had recently scored to make the Three Lions two goals ahead in a dead rubber qualifier, there were six minutes left and the player, after a below-par performance, was just shown a yellow for bringing down Armando Broja. This could scarcely be called a debatable decision. In fact it would have been unwise for the manager to leave Bellingham on given that it was possible the midfielder would rule himself out of the initial fixture of the tournament by receiving a second yellow card.

Drawing Attention on Himself

But Bellingham drew all eyes toward himself. It was impossible to miss the player's disappointment when he clocked that he would be substituted for another player. He flung his arms in the air and while he exchanged a handshake after making his way to the sideline it was clear that Tuchel did not appreciate it.

Here lies the test for Bellingham. He congratulated Marcus Rashford for sending in the ball for Kane to head in his second of the night, but everything else was counterproductive. It is not as if arguing was going to change Tuchel’s mind. The German has talked so much about honoring the team structure and the necessity of behaving correctly.

Facing Examination

Bellingham, left out of the previous squad, has been under scrutiny since coming back to the team in the current camp. Essentially he was being assessed and his actions haven't benefited him by reacting to being taken off as the side completed a perfect qualifying campaign by seeing off a feisty challenge from the Albanian team.

Tactics and Formation

It means opinions are divided on how the team operate most effectively including Bellingham. What we saw was inconclusive. Some new ideas were tested from Tuchel in the beginning. Under him, England have gained the squad organization and direction over the past few matches, using a No 6, a No 8, a playmaker and dedicated wide players, but the approach changed in this match. Quansah was made his England debut, the midfielder started for the first time at this level and the use of John Stones as an auxiliary midfielder gave a faint echo to City's 2023 treble winners.

A Game of Two Halves

Bellingham was a mixed bag. He created an opportunity for his teammate in the latter period but at times seemed trying too hard. Several hurried and errant passes. There was a needless bit of aggro against an opponent at the beginning. England were ragged after halftime. An opportunity for Albania came after Bellingham gave the ball away. His booking occurred when he lost the ball to Broja and brought down the attacker.

Substitutes Decide

Finally the bench quality proved crucial. Tuchel introduced Phil Foden, who appeared more naturally fitted to the position that Bellingham had played during the first half, and Bukayo Saka. Later Saka delivered a corner for the captain to break the deadlock. This served as a reminder that set pieces will be crucial in the upcoming tournament.

Bridge Still Stands

Still, though, the focus was on Bellingham. The quality of Rashford's cross for Kane's goal was somewhat overlooked amid the drama of the player change. At the end, the focus was on the midfielder. Tuchel walked up from behind and directed the Real Madrid midfielder towards the English fans. Their relationship remains intact. The coach isn't ready to discard the player just yet. But if Tuchel is inclined to offer him centre stage is not guaranteed.