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Thomas Tuchel's decision to overlook Jude Bellingham's desire to be included in his latest England squad demonstrates the head coach envisions a wider picture stretching beyond the Real Madrid superstar.

The 22-year-old, who notoriously uttered "who else?" when scoring a spectacular stoppage-time overhead kick as England defeated Slovakia in the last 16 of Euro 2024, now knows there are other options Tuchel will consider.

It is illogical to suggest Bellingham's exclusion is evidence Tuchel considers him as replaceable, but it indicates the German will not be subservient to any player, or bow to the demands of his biggest names as his predecessors - most notably Sven-Goran Eriksson - did.

The era of automatic recalls for the biggest names by starstruck managers and coaches are finished under Tuchel. Past achievements amount to nothing. Current form do.

Fitness Factors

His ruling is also based on solid common sense, with Bellingham beginning only one game for Real Madrid, the 5-2 loss to Atletico Madrid, after arm operation.

Bellingham has also appeared three times as a substitute, but this was insufficient for Tuchel to take note of his desire to be in the group who face Wales in a Wembley exhibition match before travelling to Latvia for a World Cup qualifier.

Previous Controversies

Tuchel's dynamic with Bellingham has already generated headlines, particularly when he confessed after the 3-1 loss to Senegal at the City Ground in June that his mother sometimes perceived the player's on-field behaviour as "unpleasant".

He later expressed regret, maintaining he used the word "accidentally" and has not been slow to praise the midfielder.

Tuchel, however, has been in no hurry to return Bellingham to the squad, despite a status in recent years which has had him regarded as the central figure of England's team.

Manager's Perspective

The German said Bellingham had "desired selection" and that "he is a special player, and for special players there can always be special rules."

But Tuchel is resolved England's success will not be determined by whether Bellingham is available or not, especially with next summer's World Cup as consideration.

"Are we a better team with Jude? Yes," commented Tuchel. "But I told you before, what do we do if Jude is injured before the World Cup? Do we just withdraw?"

The notion of England going to the World Cup without a fit Bellingham is inconceivable, but Tuchel has put down a precedent by making it clear not every plan he devises will be reliant on him being in the team.

Squad Depth

Tuchel, importantly, is operating and selecting from a situation of strength after the outstanding 5-0 win away to Serbia in England's last World Cup qualifier.

He has demonstrated he will acknowledge loyalty after others performed well so much in Belgrade, demonstrating that no-one, no matter who they are, will simply walk back into his squad, irrespective of their reputation.

Tuchel warned "there are absolutely no guarantees" for any player - and his Bellingham decision validates it.

His remarks that Bellingham desired to be in the squad, but was then not selected, were informative in this context.

Squad Chemistry

Bellingham may be displeased following his conversation with Tuchel, but the head coach has different priorities - and players - to concentrate on.

Tuchel was extremely impressed with the spirit in England's squad, which he said was the best since he was hired, adding to the most impressive display since he assumed control when Serbia were demolished in Belgrade.

He has no intention to disturb that unity, even if that means Bellingham having to be patient.

Emerging Talents

Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson impressed against Serbia and in the earlier win against Andorra at Villa Park, while Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers excelled in the number 10 role that might have been occupied by Bellingham had he been fit in Belgrade.

Interestingly, Arsenal's Bukayo Saka has only recently returned from a hamstring problem, but is selected to occupy the opening left by injury to his Arsenal team-mate Noni Madueke.

Additional Omissions

The other big talking point in Tuchel's squad was his decision not to include Manchester City's Phil Foden - back to his best after an indifferent season last term - and Everton forward Jack Grealish, who has been outstanding since signing on loan from Manchester City.

Foden has created 18 chances and netted five goals in all competitions this season, while Grealish has created the most opportunities in the Premier League this season with 17, resulting in four assists.

Like Bellingham, there is no instant route back for the pair despite a demand for their selection - once again demonstrating Tuchel was very satisfied with what he saw at the last international gathering.

World Cup Planning

He insisted all sessions leading up the World Cup, with England needing only five points to secure qualification, would be about developing competition and shaping his squad as well as results.

The most recent England squad demonstrates Tuchel will be true to his word.