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For Bellingham to hopes to force his way once again into the English top squad, he would be wise to cut out the unnecessary reactions. His response when he saw that the substitute board was about to come up following a night of inconsistency in Tirana fell short of expectations.

"I’d rather not make more out of it but I stand by my words 'conduct is crucial' and respect for the teammates who substitute on," Tuchel said. "Choices are taken and you have to accept it as a player."

There is a lesson for Bellingham. It was unnecessary for an outburst. Harry Kane had recently scored to make the Three Lions 2-0 up in an inconsequential match, there were six minutes left and the player, after a below-par performance, received a caution for bringing down Armando Broja. This could scarcely be called a debatable decision. Actually it might have been reckless for the manager to keep Bellingham on the pitch because it was possible the midfielder would be suspended of the initial fixture of the tournament by receiving a second caution.

Shifting Focus on Himself

But Bellingham made himself the center of attention. It was impossible to miss the player's frustration as he realized that he would be substituted for a teammate. He threw his arms up and while he shook Tuchel’s hand while heading to the sideline it was obvious that the head coach was not impressed.

This is the challenge for Bellingham. He applauded Rashford for delivering the cross for the captain to nod home his second of the night, but everything else was counterproductive. It's not like protesting was going to reverse the substitution. The German has stressed repeatedly respecting team hierarchies and the necessity of behaving correctly.

Facing Examination

Bellingham, omitted from the team last month, has faced close inspection upon his return to the team this month. In effect he was being assessed and he hasn't helped his case with his response to being taken off as the side rounded off a perfect qualifying campaign by seeing off a spirited effort from their opponents.

The Coach's Plan

As a result the jury is out on how England operate most effectively when Bellingham plays. What we saw was inconclusive. Tuchel tried new things from Tuchel in the beginning. He has provided the squad structure and clarity lately, employing a No 6, a central midfielder, an attacking midfielder and dedicated wide players, but the approach changed versus Albania. Jarell Quansah was made his England debut, Wharton made his first start at this level and the positioning of John Stones as an auxiliary midfielder gave a similar look to Manchester City’s historic treble-winning side.

Inconsistent Display

Bellingham was a mixed bag. He set up a shot for his teammate in the latter period but frequently appeared too desperate to impress. Several rushed, misplaced passes. An unnecessary confrontation with a rival player in the early stages. England were ragged for much of the second half. One Albania chance came after Bellingham squandered possession. His caution occurred when an opponent took the ball by Broja and committed a foul on the attacker.

Depth Makes the Difference

In the end England’s depth was decisive. Tuchel introduced Phil Foden, who seemed more comfortable to the position that Bellingham had played in the opening period, and Saka. Eventually Saka delivered a corner for Kane to score the first goal. This served as a reminder that set pieces will be crucial next summer.

Connection Remains

However, the focus was on Bellingham. The brilliance of Rashford’s assist for Kane’s header was a little lost in the ridiculousness of the player change. At the end, all eyes were on him. The coach approached to his side and directed the Real Madrid midfielder to acknowledge the travelling England fans. Their connection remains intact. Tuchel hasn't decided to discard him at this stage. Yet whether Tuchel is inclined to grant him a starring role is not guaranteed.