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

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

It is nonsensical to suggest Bellingham's exclusion is evidence Tuchel considers him as dispensable, but it shows the German will not be subservient to any player, or yield to the whims of his biggest names as his forerunners - most notably Sven-Goran Eriksson - 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 decision is also based on sound common sense, with Bellingham starting only one game for Real Madrid, the 5-2 defeat to Atletico Madrid, after shoulder surgery.

Bellingham has also come on three times off the bench, but this was insufficient for Tuchel to acknowledge his wish 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 relationship 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 conduct as "repulsive".

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

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

Coach's Viewpoint

The German stated Bellingham had "wanted to be called up" and that "he remains a special player, and for special players there can always be exceptions."

But Tuchel is resolved England's fortunes will not be shaped by whether Bellingham is present 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 unthinkable, but Tuchel has established a marker by making it clear not every plan he devises will be reliant on him being in the team.

Squad Strength

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

He has shown he will reward loyalty after others impressed so much in Belgrade, proving that no-one, no matter who they are, will simply return automatically into his squad, irrespective of their reputation.

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

His remarks that Bellingham wanted to be in the squad, but was then not included, were informative in this situation.

Team Spirit

Bellingham may be disappointed following his discussion 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 appointed, stating to the finest display since he took over when Serbia were overwhelmed 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 filled by Bellingham had he been available in Belgrade.

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

Other Exclusions

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

Foden has generated 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, leading to four assists.

Like Bellingham, there is no immediate route back for the pair despite a clamour for their inclusion - once again demonstrating Tuchel was highly satisfied with what he saw at the last international camp.

Tournament Planning

He maintained all camps leading up the World Cup, with England requiring only five points to assure qualification, would be about developing competition and shaping his squad as well as results.

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