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Should Bellingham aims to force his way once again into the English strongest team, the smart move to cut out the dramatics. His reaction after noticing that the substitute board was going up following a night of uneven play in the match against Albania fell short of expectations.

"I prefer not to blow it out of proportion but I stick to my words 'behaviour is key' and respect for the players who enter the game," Tuchel said. "Substitutions happen and you must accept them being a professional."

There is a lesson for Bellingham. There was no call for a tantrum. Kane had just put the national team leading by two in an inconsequential match, with only six minutes remaining and the player, after a below-par performance, had just been booked for fouling Armando Broja. It was not a controversial substitution. In fact it would have been foolish for the manager to keep Bellingham on the pitch because there was a risk the midfielder would rule himself out of the first match of the competition by receiving a another booking.

Turning the Spotlight Upon Himself

Yet Bellingham turned the spotlight on himself. It was impossible to miss the young midfielder's disappointment as he realized that his replacement was ready for a teammate. He threw his arms up and while he exchanged a handshake while heading to the touchline it was clear that Tuchel was not impressed.

Here lies the test facing Bellingham. He congratulated his teammate for sending in the ball for the captain to score the team's second, but the rest was harmful to his cause. There was no chance protesting was going to reverse the substitution. The German has repeatedly emphasized honoring the team structure and the necessity of showing proper conduct.

Facing Examination

He, not included in last month’s squad, has faced close inspection since coming back to the fold in the current camp. In effect his place has been in question and he hasn't helped his case by reacting to being taken off as England wrapped up a perfect qualifying campaign by defeating a tough opposition from the Albanian team.

The Coach's Plan

This implies it's unclear on whether England function at their best when Bellingham plays. The performance was inconclusive. Tuchel tried new things from Tuchel at the start. He has given the team organization and direction in recent months, building with a No 6, a No 8, a No 10 and out-and-out wingers, but there was a different feel in this match. The young defender was handed his international debut, Wharton started for the first time for England and the positioning of John Stones as a part-time midfielder meant there was passing resemblance to City's historic treble-winning side.

Mixed Performance

His performance was inconsistent. He made a chance for Eze after the break but frequently appeared trying too hard. He made many rushed, misplaced passes. A pointless clash with an Albania midfielder at the beginning. England were ragged during most of the second period. A scoring chance for the opponents came after he lost the ball cheaply. The yellow card was shown after he lost the ball to Broja and brought down the attacker.

Squad Strength Shows

Finally England’s depth was decisive. Tuchel introduced Foden, who appeared more naturally fitted to the position in which Bellingham operated earlier in the match, and Saka. In time Saka delivered a corner kick for Kane to score the first goal. It was a reminder that corners and free-kicks will play a key role next summer.

Bridge Still Stands

However, Bellingham was the story. The brilliance of Rashford's cross for Kane’s header was a little lost in the ridiculousness of the substitution incident. When the match concluded, all eyes were on Bellingham. Tuchel came over behind him and directed the Real Madrid midfielder to acknowledge the away supporters. The bond between them is not damaged. Tuchel is not willing to discard the player just yet. Yet whether the coach is prepared to grant him a starring role is still uncertain.