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Thomas Tuchel's decision to ignore Jude Bellingham's desire to be selected in his most recent England squad demonstrates the head coach sees a broader picture extending beyond the Real Madrid superstar.

The young midfielder, who famously mouthed "who else?" when netting a breathtaking stoppage-time overhead kick as England beat Slovakia in the last 16 of Euro 2024, now understands there are alternative choices Tuchel will consider.

It is illogical to propose Bellingham's exclusion is evidence Tuchel regards him as replaceable, but it shows the German will not be in thrall to any player, or bow to the whims of his star players as his forerunners - most notably Sven-Goran Eriksson - did.

The era of automatic recalls for the top players by impressionable managers and coaches are finished under Tuchel. Past achievements count for nothing. Performances do.

Fitness Considerations

His decision is also based on solid common sense, with Bellingham starting only one game for Real Madrid, the 5-2 loss to Atletico Madrid, after shoulder surgery.

Bellingham has also appeared three times off the bench, but this was insufficient for Tuchel to take note of his wish to be in the group who face Wales in a Wembley exhibition match before journeying to Latvia for a World Cup qualifying match.

Past Controversies

Tuchel's dynamic with Bellingham has already generated headlines, particularly when he admitted 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 "repulsive".

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

Tuchel, however, has been in no hurry to restore Bellingham to the squad, despite a reputation in recent years which has had him regarded as the fulcrum of England's team.

Coach's Viewpoint

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 determined England's success will not be determined by whether Bellingham is available or not, especially with next summer's World Cup in mind.

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

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

Squad Depth

Tuchel, crucially, is working and selecting from a position 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 standing.

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 included, were revealing in this situation.

Squad Chemistry

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

Tuchel was hugely impressed with the spirit in England's squad, which he said was the best since he was hired, stating to the finest display since he took over when Serbia were demolished in Belgrade.

He has no desire to disrupt that unity, even if that means Bellingham having to wait.

Rising 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 filled by Bellingham had he been available in Belgrade.

Interestingly, Arsenal's Bukayo Saka has only recently recovered from a hamstring injury, but is selected to fill the vacancy left by injury to his Gunners' team-mate Noni Madueke.

Additional Exclusions

The other big topic of discussion 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 exceptional 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 immediate route back for the pair despite a demand for their selection - once again demonstrating Tuchel was highly satisfied with what he observed at the last international gathering.

Tournament Planning

He maintained all camps leading up the World Cup, with England needing only five points to secure qualification, would be about building competition and molding his squad as well as results.

The latest England squad demonstrates Tuchel will be faithful to his word.