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For Bellingham to aims to earn his place back into the English best starting eleven, he would be wise to cut out the unnecessary reactions. His response when he saw that the substitute board was being shown after a match of mixed performance in the match against Albania fell short of expectations.

"I’d rather not make more out of it but I stand by my words 'behaviour is key' and respect for the players who substitute on," commented the coach. "Decisions are made and you have to accept it as a player."

The midfielder must understand. There was no call for an outburst. The captain had recently scored to make England two goals ahead in an inconsequential match, with only six minutes remaining and the player, who had not played particularly well, received a caution for fouling the Albanian striker. It was not a controversial substitution. Indeed it would have been foolish for Tuchel to not substitute him because there was a chance he would be suspended of the first match of the World Cup by picking up a second caution.

Shifting Focus Upon Himself

But Bellingham made himself the center of attention. No one could overlook the 22-year-old’s annoyance when he clocked that his replacement was ready for another player. His arms went up in exasperation and while he shook Tuchel’s hand on his way to the touchline it was obvious that Tuchel was not impressed.

This is the challenge that Bellingham must overcome. He congratulated Rashford for delivering the cross for the captain to head in his second of the night, but the rest was counterproductive. It's not like complaining was going to alter the decision. The coach has stressed repeatedly following squad protocols and the value of acting professionally.

Under Scrutiny

Bellingham, 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 has not done himself any favours through his behavior to his substitution as the side wrapped up a ideal group stage by overcoming a feisty challenge from Albania.

Tactics and Formation

This implies the jury is out on if England operate most effectively including Bellingham. The evidence here was inconclusive. Some new ideas were tested from the manager early on. Under him, England have gained the team structure and clarity over the past few matches, using a defensive midfielder, a No 8, an attacking midfielder and dedicated wide players, but the approach changed in this match. The young defender was made his England debut, the midfielder was in the starting lineup for England and the positioning of the defender as a makeshift midfielder gave a faint echo to Manchester City’s historic treble-winning side.

A Game of Two Halves

Bellingham was a mixed bag. He made a chance for Eze after the break but frequently appeared too desperate to impress. He made many hurried and errant passes. An unnecessary confrontation against an opponent early on. England's play was messy after halftime. An opportunity for Albania resulted from he lost the ball cheaply. The yellow card came after he was dispossessed by Broja and committed a foul on Broja.

Substitutes Decide

Ultimately the squad's strength proved crucial. Tuchel threw on the Manchester City player, who appeared more naturally fitted to the spot in which Bellingham operated during the first half, and Bukayo Saka. Eventually Saka whipped in a corner kick for Kane to score the first goal. It was a reminder that corners and free-kicks are going to be vital at the World Cup.

Relationship Not Broken

Nevertheless, Bellingham was the story. The quality of Rashford's cross for the second goal was a little lost due to the fuss of the Rogers substitution. At the end, all eyes were on Bellingham. Tuchel came over from behind and pushed Bellingham towards the away supporters. Their connection remains intact. The coach isn't ready to abandon him at this stage. Yet whether Tuchel is inclined to grant him centre stage is not guaranteed.