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For Bellingham to hopes to earn his place back into England’s best team, he would be wise to eliminate the dramatics. His response upon realizing that he was about to come up after a match of mixed performance in the match against Albania was not good enough.

"I prefer not to make more out of it but I stick to my words 'conduct is crucial' and consideration for the squad members who come in," stated Tuchel. "Substitutions happen and you need to comply being a professional."

The midfielder must understand. There was no call for a strop. Harry Kane had only moments earlier made it the Three Lions leading by two in a dead rubber qualifier, the game had six minutes to go and the player, after a below-par performance, had just been booked for a foul on an opponent. This could scarcely be called a questionable change. Indeed it might have been reckless for the head coach to leave Bellingham on given that there was a chance he would rule himself out of the opening game of the World Cup by picking up a second yellow card.

Drawing Attention on Himself

However, the player turned the spotlight on himself. There was no disguising the 22-year-old’s frustration as he realized that he would be substituted for another player. His arms went up in exasperation and even though he shook Tuchel’s hand on his way to the touchline it was clear that Tuchel was displeased.

This is the challenge for Bellingham. He congratulated Rashford for delivering the cross for Harry Kane to score his second of the night, but everything else was self-defeating. There was no chance arguing was going to reverse the substitution. Tuchel has stressed repeatedly honoring the team structure and the importance of behaving correctly.

Under Scrutiny

Bellingham, omitted from the previous squad, has been under scrutiny after returning to the squad 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 seeing off a feisty challenge from Albania.

The Coach's Plan

As a result it's unclear on how the team function at their best including Bellingham. What we saw was inconclusive. Some new ideas were tested from the manager at the start. He has given England organization and direction over the past few matches, building with a defensive midfielder, a No 8, a No 10 and out-and-out wingers, but it felt different against Albania. Jarell Quansah was made his England debut, Wharton started for the first time for England and the positioning of John Stones as an auxiliary midfielder gave a passing resemblance to Manchester City’s historic treble-winning side.

Inconsistent Display

His performance was inconsistent. He created an opportunity for Eberechi Eze after the break but at times seemed too desperate to impress. Several poorly executed passes. There was a needless bit of aggro against an opponent in the early stages. The team looked disjointed after halftime. One Albania chance followed Bellingham gave the ball away. His caution was shown after he lost the ball to Broja and brought down the attacker.

Depth Makes the Difference

Ultimately England’s depth made the difference. The coach brought on Foden, who seemed more naturally fitted to the position in which Bellingham operated earlier in the match, and Saka. Eventually Saka whipped in a corner kick for Harry Kane to score the first goal. It was a reminder that dead-ball situations will play a key role at the World Cup.

Connection Remains

Nevertheless, all talk was about Bellingham. The excellence of Rashford's cross for Kane's goal was partly forgotten in the ridiculousness of the Rogers substitution. When the match concluded, the focus was on him. Tuchel walked up from behind and directed the Real Madrid midfielder to acknowledge the travelling England fans. The bond between them remains intact. Tuchel is not willing to give up on him at this stage. However, whether he is willing to give him the central position remains in doubt.