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For Bellingham to aims to force his way back into England’s top squad, it would be smart to cut out the dramatics. The way he reacted when he saw that the substitute board was going up after a match of uneven play in the match against Albania fell short of expectations.

"I don’t want to make more out of it but I stick to my words 'conduct is crucial' and consideration for the squad members who substitute on," commented the coach. "Choices are taken and you must accept them being a professional."

The midfielder must understand. It was unnecessary for a strop. Kane had recently scored to make the national team 2-0 up in a meaningless match, the game had six minutes to go and he, following an inconsistent display, was just shown a yellow for a foul on an opponent. It was not a debatable decision. In fact it would have been foolish for Tuchel to keep Bellingham on the pitch considering there was a risk the midfielder would rule himself out of the first match of the tournament by picking up a another booking.

Turning the Spotlight Upon Himself

But Bellingham made himself the center of attention. There was no disguising the 22-year-old’s frustration upon understanding that he was going to make way for a teammate. He flung his arms in the air and even though he shook Tuchel’s hand after making his way to the bench there was no doubt that the head coach was not impressed.

This is the challenge for Bellingham. He praised Marcus Rashford for sending in the ball for Kane to nod home the team's second, but everything else was self-defeating. It's not like complaining was going to reverse the substitution. Tuchel has stressed repeatedly following squad protocols and the value of acting professionally.

In the Spotlight

Bellingham, left out of the team last month, has faced close inspection upon his return to the team in the current camp. In effect his place has been in question and he hasn't helped his case by reacting to coming off the pitch as the side wrapped up a flawless qualification run by seeing off a tough opposition from their opponents.

Tactics and Formation

It means it's unclear on if the squad operate most effectively with Bellingham in the team. The performance was not definitive. There was experimentation by the coach in the beginning. He has given the squad structure and clarity in recent months, using a No 6, a No 8, a No 10 and specialist wingers, but there was a different feel in this match. The young defender was given his first cap, the midfielder started for the first time for England and the positioning of Stones as a part-time midfielder gave a similar look to City's historic treble-winning side.

Mixed Performance

Bellingham had ups and downs. He set up a shot for his teammate in the latter period but frequently appeared too desperate to impress. Several poorly executed passes. An unnecessary confrontation with an Albania midfielder at the beginning. The team looked disjointed after halftime. One Albania chance came after Bellingham gave the ball away. His booking occurred when he was dispossessed by Broja and committed a foul on Broja.

Depth Makes the Difference

Ultimately England’s depth was decisive. Tuchel introduced Phil Foden, who seemed more naturally fitted to the role in which Bellingham operated earlier in the match, and Saka. Later Saka delivered a corner kick for the captain to break the deadlock. It was a reminder that corners and free-kicks will be crucial in the upcoming tournament.

Bridge Still Stands

However, Bellingham was the story. The quality of Rashford’s assist for the second goal was a little lost in the ridiculousness of the player change. At the end, the focus was on Bellingham. Tuchel walked up behind him and guided the Real Madrid midfielder towards the English fans. Their relationship remains intact. Tuchel is not willing to abandon Bellingham yet. But if Tuchel is inclined to grant him the central position is still uncertain.