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Should Bellingham hopes to earn his place once again into the English strongest starting eleven, it would be smart to do away with the nonsense. The way he reacted upon realizing that the substitute board was being shown following a night of inconsistency in Tirana fell short of expectations.

"I prefer not to make more out of it but I hold to my words 'behaviour is key' and consideration for the squad members who enter the game," stated Tuchel. "Substitutions happen and you have to accept it as a player."

There is a lesson for Bellingham. There was no call for a tantrum. Harry Kane had recently scored to make the national team 2-0 up in a meaningless qualifier, the game had six minutes to go and he, following an inconsistent display, was just shown a yellow for bringing down Armando Broja. This was hardly a controversial substitution. Actually it would have been foolish for the manager to leave Bellingham on because it was possible he would be suspended of the opening game of the competition by picking up a second yellow card.

Shifting Focus to Himself

Yet Bellingham drew all eyes toward himself. It was impossible to miss the young midfielder's disappointment when he clocked that he was going to make way for another player. He flung his arms in the air and although he exchanged a handshake after making his way to the sideline it was clear that Tuchel was not impressed.

Here lies the test facing Bellingham. He praised Marcus Rashford for sending in the ball for Harry Kane to score his second goal, but his other actions was self-defeating. It's not like complaining was going to reverse the substitution. Tuchel has stressed repeatedly following squad protocols and the importance of showing proper conduct.

In the Spotlight

Bellingham, omitted from the team last month, has been under scrutiny since coming back to the fold in the current camp. In effect he has been on trial and his actions haven't benefited him by reacting to being taken off as the side wrapped up a ideal group stage by overcoming a feisty challenge from their opponents.

The System and the Setup

This implies the jury is out on whether the team function at their best when Bellingham plays. The evidence here was not definitive. Tuchel tried new things from the manager at the start. He has provided England structure and clarity lately, using a No 6, a central midfielder, an attacking midfielder and out-and-out wingers, but there was a different feel in this match. Quansah was made his England debut, Adam Wharton made his first start internationally and the positioning of John Stones as a part-time midfielder meant there was similar look to City's 2023 treble winners.

A Game of Two Halves

Bellingham had ups and downs. He created an opportunity for his teammate after the break but at times seemed overly eager to shine. Several hurried and errant passes. An unnecessary confrontation against an opponent at the beginning. The team looked disjointed during most of the second period. A scoring chance for the opponents followed Bellingham gave the ball away. His caution was shown after he lost the ball from Broja and fouled Broja.

Squad Strength Shows

Ultimately the squad's strength was decisive. Tuchel threw on Foden, who looked more naturally fitted to the spot occupied by Bellingham in the opening period, and Bukayo Saka. Eventually Saka provided a set-piece for Kane to open the scoring. It was a reminder that dead-ball situations will be crucial next summer.

Relationship Not Broken

Still, though, all talk was about Bellingham. The brilliance of the winger's delivery for Kane’s header was a little lost amid the drama of the Rogers substitution. After the final whistle, everyone was watching the midfielder. Tuchel came over behind him and pushed Bellingham in the direction of the away supporters. Their connection is not broken. Tuchel is not willing to discard him at this stage. But if Tuchel is inclined to offer him centre stage is still uncertain.