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For Bellingham to aims to fight his way into the English top squad, he would be wise to do away with the dramatics. The way he reacted upon realizing that his number was about to come up after a match of uneven play in the match against Albania was not good enough.

"I’d rather not overstate it but I stand by my words 'conduct is crucial' and respect for the squad members who come in," commented the coach. "Substitutions happen and you have to accept it when you're on the field."

Bellingham has to learn. It was unnecessary for a strop. The captain had only moments earlier made it the Three Lions leading by two in an inconsequential fixture, there were six minutes left and he, following an inconsistent display, received a caution for bringing down the Albanian striker. This could scarcely be called a controversial substitution. In fact it would have been foolish for the manager to not substitute him because it was possible Bellingham would be suspended of the first match of the tournament by picking up a second yellow card.

Turning the Spotlight on Himself

Yet Bellingham drew all eyes toward himself. No one could overlook the 22-year-old’s annoyance upon understanding that his replacement was ready for Morgan Rogers. He flung his arms in the air and while he shook Tuchel’s hand after making his way to the bench it was clear that Tuchel was displeased.

Here lies the test that Bellingham must overcome. He praised his teammate for providing the assist for Kane to head in his second of the night, but the rest was counterproductive. It's not like protesting was going to alter the decision. The German has stressed repeatedly following squad protocols and the necessity of showing proper conduct.

Facing Examination

Bellingham, not included in last month’s squad, is being watched carefully upon his return to the team this month. Essentially he was being assessed and he has not done himself any favours by reacting to being taken off as the side completed a ideal group stage by overcoming a tough opposition from their opponents.

Tactics and Formation

This implies opinions are divided on how England perform optimally including Bellingham. The evidence here was inconclusive. Some new ideas were tested from the manager at the start. He has given England a clear system over the past few matches, using a No 6, a central midfielder, a playmaker and dedicated wide players, but the approach changed in this match. Quansah was handed his international debut, the midfielder was in the starting lineup internationally and the positioning of John Stones as an auxiliary midfielder meant there was passing resemblance to the Manchester club's team that won three trophies.

A Game of Two Halves

Bellingham had ups and downs. He created an opportunity for Eberechi Eze after the break but often looked trying too hard. Several poorly executed passes. There was a needless bit of aggro with an Albania midfielder at the beginning. The team looked disjointed after halftime. One Albania chance resulted from Bellingham squandered possession. His caution occurred when an opponent took the ball to Broja and fouled Broja.

Depth Makes the Difference

Finally the bench quality was decisive. Tuchel threw on Phil Foden, who seemed more naturally fitted to the position that Bellingham had played in the opening period, and Bukayo Saka. In time Saka whipped in a corner for Harry Kane to score the first goal. It highlighted that corners and free-kicks will be crucial in the upcoming tournament.

Relationship Not Broken

However, Bellingham was the story. The brilliance of Rashford’s assist for Kane's goal was somewhat overlooked due to the fuss of the substitution incident. At the end, the focus was on Bellingham. Tuchel walked up behind him and pushed Bellingham in the direction of the travelling England fans. The bond between them is not broken. Tuchel hasn't decided to abandon Bellingham yet. But if he is willing to grant him the central position remains in doubt.