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Thomas Tuchel's choice to overlook Jude Bellingham's wish to be included in his latest England squad demonstrates the head coach sees a broader picture stretching beyond the Real Madrid superstar.

The 22-year-old, who notoriously uttered "who else?" when netting 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 evaluate.

It is illogical to propose Bellingham's omission is proof Tuchel considers him as replaceable, but it indicates the German will not be subservient to any player, or yield to the demands of his biggest names as his forerunners - most notably Sven-Goran Eriksson - previously did.

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

Medical Factors

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

Bellingham has also come on three times off the bench, but this was not enough for Tuchel to take note of his wish to be in the group who face Wales in a Wembley friendly before travelling to Latvia for a World Cup qualifier.

Past Headlines

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

He later publicly apologised, maintaining he used the word "unintentionally" and has not been slow to commend the midfielder.

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

Coach's Perspective

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

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 in mind.

"Do we become 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 cancel?"

The notion of England going to the World Cup without a healthy Bellingham is unthinkable, but Tuchel has established a precedent by making it clear not every strategy he devises will be dependent on him being in the team.

Squad Strength

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

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

His comments that Bellingham desired to be in the squad, but was then not included, 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 focus on.

Tuchel was extremely impressed with the atmosphere in England's squad, which he described was the best since he was hired, adding to the most impressive display since he took over when Serbia were overwhelmed in Belgrade.

He has no desire to disrupt that spirit, even if that means Bellingham having to be patient.

Rising Talents

Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson performed well 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.

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

Additional Omissions

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 joining on loan from Manchester City.

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

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

Tournament Planning

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

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