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

The young midfielder, who notoriously uttered "who else?" when scoring a spectacular 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 suggest Bellingham's exclusion is evidence Tuchel considers him as dispensable, but it shows the German will not be in thrall to any player, or bow to the whims of his star players as his predecessors - most notably Sven-Goran Eriksson - previously did.

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

Fitness Considerations

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

Bellingham has also come on three times as a substitute, but this was insufficient for Tuchel to acknowledge his wish to be in the group who play Wales in a Wembley friendly 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 viewed the player's on-field conduct as "repulsive".

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

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

Manager's Perspective

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

But Tuchel is determined England's success 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 unfit 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 put down a marker by making it clear not every strategy he formulates will be dependent on him being in the team.

Squad Strength

Tuchel, crucially, is working and choosing from a position of strength after the impressive 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, regardless of their reputation.

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

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

Squad Chemistry

Bellingham may be displeased 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 hired, adding to the finest display since he took over when Serbia were demolished in Belgrade.

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

Emerging 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 shone 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 recovered from a hamstring problem, but is selected to fill 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 inconsistent 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 scored 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.

Tournament Planning

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

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