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Thomas Tuchel's decision to ignore Jude Bellingham's wish to be included in his most recent England squad demonstrates the head coach envisions a wider picture stretching beyond the Real Madrid superstar.

The young midfielder, 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 alternative choices Tuchel will evaluate.

It is illogical to propose 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 impressionable managers and coaches are over under Tuchel. Past achievements count for nothing. Current form do.

Medical Factors

His ruling is also based on sound common sense, with Bellingham starting only one game for Real Madrid, the 5-2 defeat to Atletico Madrid, after shoulder surgery.

Bellingham has also come on three times as a substitute, but this was insufficient for Tuchel to take note of his wish to be in the group who play Wales in a Wembley friendly before travelling to Latvia for a World Cup qualifier.

Previous Headlines

Tuchel's dynamic with Bellingham has already created media attention, particularly when he confessed 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 publicly apologised, 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 regarded as the central figure of England's team.

Manager's Perspective

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 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 as consideration.

"Do we become a better team with Jude? Yes," said Tuchel. "But I told you before, what do we do if Jude is injured before the World Cup? Do we just withdraw?"

The idea of England going to the World Cup without a fit Bellingham is unthinkable, but Tuchel has put down a precedent by making it clear not every plan he formulates will be dependent on him being in the team.

Squad Strength

Tuchel, importantly, 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, proving that no-one, no matter who they are, will simply walk back into his squad, regardless of their standing.

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 informative in this situation.

Team Chemistry

Bellingham may be disappointed following his conversation with Tuchel, but the head coach has different priorities - and players - to focus on.

Tuchel was hugely impressed with the atmosphere in England's squad, which he described 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 desire to disrupt that unity, even if that means Bellingham having to be patient.

Rising 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 occupied by Bellingham had he been fit in Belgrade.

Notably, Arsenal's Bukayo Saka has only recently returned from a hamstring injury, but is selected to occupy the vacancy 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 - returning to top form after an indifferent 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 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 demand for their selection - once again showing Tuchel was highly satisfied with what he saw at the last international gathering.

World Cup Preparation

He insisted all camps leading up the World Cup, with England needing 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 true to his word.