England's manager brings closure to period of starstruck coaches routinely selecting established stars

Thomas Tuchel's choice to overlook Jude Bellingham's desire to be included in his most recent England squad demonstrates the head coach envisions a broader picture stretching beyond the Real Madrid superstar.

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

It is nonsensical to propose Bellingham's omission is evidence Tuchel considers him as replaceable, but it shows the German will not be subservient to any player, or yield to the whims of his star players as his forerunners - most notably Sven-Goran Eriksson - previously did.

The days of guaranteed selections for the biggest names by impressionable managers and coaches are over under Tuchel. Past achievements amount to nothing. Current form do.

Fitness Factors

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

Bellingham has also appeared three times off the bench, but this was insufficient for Tuchel to take note of his desire to be in the group who face Wales in a Wembley exhibition match before journeying to Latvia for a World Cup qualifier.

Previous Controversies

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 perceived the player's on-field behaviour as "repulsive".

He later expressed regret, insisting he used the word "unintentionally" and has been quick to commend the midfielder.

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

Coach's Viewpoint

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

But Tuchel is determined England's fortunes 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 injured before the World Cup? Do we just withdraw?"

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

Team Depth

Tuchel, crucially, is operating and selecting from a position of strength after the impressive 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 return automatically into his squad, irrespective of their reputation.

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

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

Team Spirit

Bellingham may be disappointed following his discussion with Tuchel, but the head coach has other matters - 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 appointed, stating to the finest display since he assumed control when Serbia were overwhelmed in Belgrade.

He has no intention to disturb 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 filled by Bellingham had he been available in Belgrade.

Interestingly, Arsenal's Bukayo Saka has only recently returned from a hamstring injury, but is selected to fill the opening left by injury to his Gunners' team-mate Noni Madueke.

Additional Omissions

The other big topic of discussion 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 signing on loan from Manchester City.

Foden has created 18 chances and netted five goals in all competitions this season, while Grealish has created 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 demand for their inclusion - once again showing Tuchel was highly satisfied with what he saw at the last international gathering.

World Cup Preparation

He maintained all sessions leading up the World Cup, with England needing only five points to assure qualification, would be about building competition and molding his squad as well as results.

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