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Thomas Tuchel's decision to ignore Jude Bellingham's desire to be selected in his latest England squad is proof the head coach sees a broader picture extending beyond the Real Madrid phenomenon.

The 22-year-old, who notoriously uttered "who else?" when scoring a breathtaking stoppage-time overhead kick as England beat 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 regards him as dispensable, but it indicates 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 top players by starstruck managers and coaches are over under Tuchel. Past achievements count for nothing. Current form do.

Fitness Factors

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

Bellingham has also appeared three times as a substitute, but this was not enough 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 qualifying match.

Past Headlines

Tuchel's relationship 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 conduct as "repulsive".

He later publicly apologised, maintaining he used the word "accidentally" and has not been slow to praise 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 Perspective

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

But Tuchel is resolved 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," 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 fit Bellingham is unthinkable, but Tuchel has put down a marker by making it clear not every plan he formulates will be dependent on him being in the team.

Squad Strength

Tuchel, crucially, is operating and selecting from a situation 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 performed well so much in Belgrade, demonstrating that no-one, no matter who they are, will simply return automatically into his squad, regardless of their reputation.

Tuchel warned "there are definitely 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 revealing in this situation.

Squad Spirit

Bellingham may be disappointed following his conversation 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 described was the best since he was hired, adding to the finest display since he assumed control when Serbia were overwhelmed in Belgrade.

He has no desire to disrupt 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 shone in the number 10 role that might have been occupied by Bellingham had he been fit in Belgrade.

Notably, Arsenal's Bukayo Saka has only recently recovered from a hamstring problem, but is selected 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 - returning to top form after an indifferent season last term - and Everton forward Jack Grealish, who has been outstanding since joining on loan from Manchester City.

Foden has created 18 chances and scored 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 immediate route back for the pair despite a clamour for their selection - once again demonstrating 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 developing competition and molding his squad as well as outcomes.

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