🔗 Share this article

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

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

It is nonsensical to propose Bellingham's exclusion is evidence Tuchel considers him as dispensable, but it indicates the German will not be subservient to any player, or yield to the whims of his biggest names 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 finished under Tuchel. Past achievements amount to nothing. Current form do.

Fitness Factors

His decision is also grounded in 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 as a substitute, but this was not enough for Tuchel to acknowledge his desire to be in the group who play Wales in a Wembley friendly before travelling to Latvia for a World Cup qualifying match.

Past Controversies

Tuchel's dynamic with Bellingham has already created 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 "unpleasant".

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

Tuchel, however, has been in no rush 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 remains 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," 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 healthy Bellingham is unthinkable, but Tuchel has established a precedent by making it clear not every strategy he formulates will be dependent on him being in the team.

Team Strength

Tuchel, importantly, is operating and selecting from a situation of strength after the impressive 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, proving that no-one, no matter who they are, will simply return automatically into his squad, irrespective of their standing.

Tuchel cautioned "there are absolutely 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 context.

Team Chemistry

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

Tuchel was extremely 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 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 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 filled by Bellingham had he been available in Belgrade.

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

Other Omissions

The other big talking point 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 signing 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, resulting in four assists.

Like Bellingham, there is no immediate route back for the pair despite a clamour for their inclusion - once again showing Tuchel was very satisfied with what he observed at the last international camp.

World Cup Planning

He maintained all camps leading up the World Cup, with England needing only five points to assure 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.