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For Bellingham to aims to earn his place back into England’s top team, it would be smart to do away with the nonsense. His response upon realizing that he was going up after an evening of uneven play in Tirana was not good enough.

"I prefer not to overstate it but I stick to my words 'attitude matters' and respect towards the squad members who enter the game," stated Tuchel. "Choices are taken and you need to comply when you're on the field."

The midfielder must understand. It was unnecessary for an outburst. Harry Kane had recently scored to make England two goals ahead in an inconsequential match, with only six minutes remaining and he, following an inconsistent display, received a caution for a foul on Armando Broja. This could scarcely be called a controversial substitution. Actually it might have been reckless for the manager to leave Bellingham on because there was a risk the midfielder would make himself ineligible of the opening game of the tournament by getting a another booking.

Drawing Attention to Himself

But Bellingham made himself the center of attention. No one could overlook the player's annoyance when he clocked that he was going to make way for Morgan Rogers. He threw his arms up and although he shook Tuchel’s hand while heading to the bench it was clear that the manager was not impressed.

Here lies the test for Bellingham. He applauded Rashford for providing the assist for Kane to score his second goal, but everything else was counterproductive. It is not as if arguing was going to change Tuchel’s mind. The coach has repeatedly emphasized following squad protocols and the necessity of acting professionally.

Facing Examination

Bellingham, left out of the previous squad, is being watched carefully upon his return to the squad in the current camp. Essentially his place has been in question and he has not done himself any favours through his behavior to being taken off as the side wrapped up a ideal group stage by seeing off a feisty challenge from their opponents.

The System and the Setup

This implies the jury is out on if England function at their best including Bellingham. What we saw was inconclusive. Tuchel tried new things by the coach at the start. He has provided the team a clear system in recent months, employing a No 6, a box-to-box player, a playmaker and out-and-out wingers, but the approach changed in this match. Jarell Quansah was made his England debut, Wharton made his first start at this level and the role of the defender as a part-time midfielder gave a passing resemblance to the Manchester club's historic treble-winning side.

A Game of Two Halves

Bellingham had ups and downs. He created an opportunity for his teammate during the second half but at times seemed trying too hard. He made many poorly executed passes. An unnecessary confrontation against an opponent early on. England were ragged during most of the second period. An opportunity for Albania resulted from he lost the ball cheaply. The yellow card was shown after he was dispossessed from Broja and brought down the attacker.

Depth Makes the Difference

In the end the squad's strength made the difference. Tuchel threw on the Manchester City player, who seemed more comfortable to the position occupied by Bellingham earlier in the match, and Saka. In time Saka whipped in a corner for Kane to break the deadlock. It was a reminder that corners and free-kicks are going to be vital in the upcoming tournament.

Connection Remains

Still, though, Bellingham was the story. The excellence of the winger's delivery for the second goal was a little lost amid the drama of the substitution incident. When the match concluded, the focus was on him. Tuchel walked up to his side and guided Bellingham towards the travelling England fans. The bond between them remains intact. The coach isn't ready to discard the player just yet. Yet whether Tuchel is inclined to give him the central position is not guaranteed.