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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 wider picture stretching beyond the Real Madrid phenomenon.

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

It is nonsensical to suggest Bellingham's exclusion is proof Tuchel considers him as replaceable, but it shows the German will not be subservient to any player, or bow to the whims of his star players 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. Current form do.

Fitness Factors

His ruling is also based on solid common sense, with Bellingham starting 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 journeying to Latvia for a World Cup qualifying match.

Past Headlines

Tuchel's relationship with Bellingham has already generated media attention, 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 "unpleasant".

He later expressed regret, insisting he used the word "unintentionally" and has not been slow to commend 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 viewed as the central figure of England's team.

Manager'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 shaped 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 cancel?"

The idea of England going to the World Cup without a fit Bellingham is inconceivable, but Tuchel has established a marker by making it clear not every plan he devises will be dependent on him being in the team.

Squad Strength

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 shown 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, regardless of their reputation.

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

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

Squad Chemistry

Bellingham may be disappointed following his conversation with Tuchel, but the head coach has other matters - and players - to focus 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 most impressive display since he took over when Serbia were overwhelmed in Belgrade.

He has no intention to disrupt that unity, 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 filled 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.

Other Omissions

The other big topic of discussion 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 scored 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 selection - once again showing Tuchel was very satisfied with what he observed at the last international gathering.

Tournament Planning

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

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