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

The young midfielder, who famously uttered "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 consider.

It is nonsensical to suggest Bellingham's exclusion is proof Tuchel considers him as dispensable, but it indicates the German will not be in thrall to any player, or yield to the whims of his star players as his forerunners - most notably Sven-Goran Eriksson - did.

The era of guaranteed selections for the top players by starstruck managers and coaches are finished under Tuchel. Reputations count for nothing. Current form do.

Fitness Considerations

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 shoulder surgery.

Bellingham has also come on three times as a substitute, but this was insufficient for Tuchel to take note of his desire 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 created media attention, 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 conduct as "unpleasant".

He later expressed regret, insisting he used the word "unintentionally" and has not been slow to praise the midfielder.

Tuchel, however, has been in no hurry to restore Bellingham to the squad, despite a reputation in recent years which has had him regarded as the fulcrum of England's team.

Coach's Perspective

The German said 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 fortunes will not be determined by whether Bellingham is available or not, especially with next summer's World Cup in mind.

"Do we become 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 withdraw?"

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 strategy he devises will be reliant on him being in the team.

Squad Strength

Tuchel, crucially, is operating and choosing from a situation 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, demonstrating 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 remarks that Bellingham wanted to be in the squad, but was then not included, were informative in this context.

Squad Chemistry

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

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

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

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 returned from a hamstring problem, but is recalled to occupy the vacancy left by injury to his Gunners' team-mate Noni Madueke.

Additional Exclusions

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 inconsistent season last term - and Everton forward Jack Grealish, who has been outstanding since joining on loan from Manchester City.

Foden has generated 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 instant route back for the pair despite a demand for their selection - once again demonstrating Tuchel was highly satisfied with what he saw at the last international gathering.

Tournament Planning

He insisted all sessions 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 most recent England squad shows Tuchel will be faithful to his word.