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Should Bellingham hopes to fight his way once again into the English best team, he would be wise to do away with the unnecessary reactions. His reaction upon realizing that his number was being shown following a night of inconsistency in Tirana was not good enough.

"I prefer not to blow it out of proportion but I hold to my words 'attitude matters' and consideration for the players who come in," commented the coach. "Choices are taken and you have to accept it being a professional."

Bellingham has to learn. It was unnecessary for an outburst. Harry Kane had just put the national team 2-0 up in a meaningless match, the game had six minutes to go and the player, following an inconsistent display, received a caution for bringing down the Albanian striker. This was hardly a debatable decision. Indeed it might have been reckless for the head coach to not substitute him considering there was a risk the midfielder would be suspended of the opening game of the World Cup by getting a second yellow card.

Shifting Focus on Himself

Yet Bellingham turned the spotlight on himself. There was no disguising the young midfielder's disappointment upon understanding that he would be substituted for a teammate. He flung his arms in the air and even though he shook Tuchel’s hand while heading to the bench it was clear that the head coach did not appreciate it.

This is the challenge facing Bellingham. He praised his teammate for delivering the cross for Kane to head in the team's second, but his other actions was self-defeating. There was no chance arguing was going to change Tuchel’s mind. Tuchel has repeatedly emphasized following squad protocols and the importance of showing proper conduct.

Facing Examination

He, omitted from the previous squad, has been under scrutiny upon his return to the team this month. In effect his place has been in question and he has not done himself any favours by reacting to his substitution as the national team wrapped up a perfect qualifying campaign by overcoming a tough opposition from their opponents.

The System and the Setup

It means opinions are divided on if the squad operate most effectively when Bellingham plays. The performance was inconclusive. Tuchel tried new things by the coach early on. He has given the squad a clear system lately, using a defensive midfielder, a central midfielder, a playmaker and dedicated wide players, but it felt different versus Albania. Quansah was handed his international debut, Adam Wharton was in the starting lineup at this level and the role of the defender as a makeshift midfielder meant there was similar look to Manchester City’s team that won three trophies.

A Game of Two Halves

Bellingham had ups and downs. He set up a shot for Eberechi Eze after the break but often looked overly eager to shine. There were a lot of poorly executed passes. An unnecessary confrontation with a rival player in the early stages. England's play was messy after halftime. One Albania chance resulted from Bellingham gave the ball away. His caution was shown after he lost the ball from Broja and brought down the attacker.

Substitutes Decide

In the end the squad's strength made the difference. Tuchel threw on Phil Foden, who appeared better suited to the spot in which Bellingham operated during the first half, and Saka. Eventually Saka provided a corner kick for Kane to break the deadlock. It highlighted that dead-ball situations are going to be vital next summer.

Connection Remains

Still, though, Bellingham was the story. The excellence of Rashford’s assist for Kane's goal was somewhat overlooked due to the fuss of the Rogers substitution. When the match concluded, the focus was on the midfielder. The coach approached from behind and directed the Real Madrid midfielder towards the English fans. Their connection is not damaged. The coach isn't ready to give up on Bellingham yet. But if Tuchel is inclined to offer him the central position remains in doubt.