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Thomas Tuchel's choice to ignore Jude Bellingham's desire to be selected in his most recent England squad is proof the head coach sees a broader picture stretching beyond the Real Madrid superstar.

The young midfielder, who famously mouthed "who else?" when netting a breathtaking stoppage-time overhead kick as England defeated Slovakia in the last 16 of Euro 2024, now knows there are alternative choices Tuchel will consider.

It is illogical to propose Bellingham's omission is proof Tuchel regards him as dispensable, but it indicates the German will not be subservient to any player, or yield to the demands of his biggest names as his forerunners - most notably Sven-Goran Eriksson - previously did.

The days of automatic recalls for the biggest names by starstruck managers and coaches are over under Tuchel. Reputations amount to nothing. Performances do.

Medical 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 arm operation.

Bellingham has also appeared three times off the bench, 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 admitted after the 3-1 loss to Senegal at the City Ground in June that his mother sometimes viewed the player's on-field behaviour as "repulsive".

He later publicly apologised, 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 status in recent years which has had him viewed as the central figure of England's team.

Coach's Perspective

The German said Bellingham had "desired selection" and that "he is a special player, and for special players there can always be exceptions."

But Tuchel is determined England's fortunes 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 withdraw?"

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

Team Strength

Tuchel, crucially, is working and selecting 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 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 cautioned "there are absolutely no guarantees" for any player - and his Bellingham decision confirms it.

His comments that Bellingham wanted to be in the squad, but was then not included, were revealing in this context.

Team Chemistry

Bellingham may be displeased following his conversation with Tuchel, but the head coach has other matters - and players - to concentrate on.

Tuchel was extremely impressed with the atmosphere in England's squad, which he described was the best since he was hired, stating to the most impressive display since he assumed control when Serbia were demolished in Belgrade.

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

Emerging Players

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 available in Belgrade.

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

Other 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 inconsistent season last term - and Everton forward Jack Grealish, who has been exceptional 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, resulting in four assists.

Like Bellingham, there is no instant 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 Preparation

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