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

The 22-year-old, who notoriously mouthed "who else?" when netting a breathtaking stoppage-time overhead kick as England beat Slovakia in the last 16 of Euro 2024, now knows there are alternative choices Tuchel will evaluate.

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 yield to the whims of his biggest names as his predecessors - most notably Sven-Goran Eriksson - did.

The days of automatic recalls for the top players by impressionable managers and coaches are over under Tuchel. Reputations count for nothing. Performances do.

Medical Factors

His ruling is also grounded in solid common sense, with Bellingham beginning only one game for Real Madrid, the 5-2 loss to Atletico Madrid, after arm operation.

Bellingham has also appeared three times as a substitute, but this was insufficient for Tuchel to acknowledge 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 generated headlines, particularly when he confessed 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 "unpleasant".

He later expressed regret, insisting he used the word "accidentally" 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 regarded as the fulcrum of England's team.

Coach's Viewpoint

The German stated Bellingham had "wanted to be called up" 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 present or not, especially with next summer's World Cup as consideration.

"Are we 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 cancel?"

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

Team Strength

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

He has demonstrated he will reward 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 warned "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 selected, were informative in this context.

Squad Spirit

Bellingham may be displeased following his discussion with Tuchel, but the head coach has other matters - 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 appointed, adding 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 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 filled by Bellingham had he been fit in Belgrade.

Notably, Arsenal's Bukayo Saka has only recently recovered from a hamstring problem, but is recalled to fill the opening left by injury to his Arsenal 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 outstanding since signing 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, resulting in four assists.

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

World Cup 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 outcomes.

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