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Thomas Tuchel's decision to overlook Jude Bellingham's desire to be included in his most recent England squad is proof the head coach sees a broader picture stretching beyond the Real Madrid phenomenon.

The young midfielder, who notoriously mouthed "who else?" when scoring a breathtaking stoppage-time overhead kick as England beat Slovakia in the last 16 of Euro 2024, now knows there are other options Tuchel will evaluate.

It is illogical to suggest Bellingham's exclusion is proof Tuchel regards him as dispensable, but it shows the German will not be in thrall to any player, or yield to the whims of his biggest names as his forerunners - most notably Sven-Goran Eriksson - did.

The days of guaranteed selections for the biggest names by starstruck managers and coaches are over under Tuchel. Reputations count for nothing. Performances do.

Medical Factors

His ruling is also grounded in sound common sense, with Bellingham beginning only one game for Real Madrid, the 5-2 defeat to Atletico Madrid, after shoulder surgery.

Bellingham has also appeared three times off the bench, but this was not enough for Tuchel to acknowledge his desire 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 headlines, particularly when he admitted after the 3-1 loss to Senegal at the City Ground in June that his mother sometimes viewed the player's on-field conduct as "repulsive".

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 restore Bellingham to the squad, despite a status in recent years which has had him regarded as the central figure of England's team.

Coach's Perspective

The German said 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 determined England's fortunes will not be determined by whether Bellingham is available or not, especially with next summer's World Cup as consideration.

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

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 strategy he devises will be reliant on him being in the team.

Team Depth

Tuchel, crucially, is working and choosing 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 impressed so much in Belgrade, demonstrating that no-one, no matter who they are, will simply return automatically into his squad, irrespective of their standing.

Tuchel warned "there are absolutely no guarantees" for any player - and his Bellingham decision confirms 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 discussion with Tuchel, but the head coach has other matters - and players - to focus on.

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

He has no desire to disturb that spirit, even if that means Bellingham having to wait.

Emerging Players

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 occupied by Bellingham had he been available in Belgrade.

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

Additional Exclusions

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 exceptional since joining on loan from Manchester City.

Foden has generated 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, 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 very satisfied with what he saw at the last international gathering.

Tournament Preparation

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

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