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

The 22-year-old, who famously uttered "who else?" when scoring a spectacular stoppage-time overhead kick as England defeated 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 regards him as replaceable, but it shows the German will not be in thrall to any player, or yield to the whims of his biggest names as his predecessors - most notably Sven-Goran Eriksson - previously did.

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

Medical Considerations

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 shoulder surgery.

Bellingham has also come on three times as a substitute, but this was insufficient for Tuchel to acknowledge his desire to be in the group who face Wales in a Wembley friendly before journeying 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 perceived the player's on-field behaviour as "unpleasant".

He later publicly apologised, maintaining he used the word "accidentally" and has not been slow to praise 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 viewed as the fulcrum of England's team.

Manager's Viewpoint

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 special rules."

But Tuchel is determined England's success will not be determined by whether Bellingham is present or not, especially with next summer's World Cup as consideration.

"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 cancel?"

The notion 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 plan he devises will be reliant on him being in the team.

Squad Depth

Tuchel, importantly, is operating and selecting from a situation of strength after the outstanding 5-0 win away to Serbia in England's last World Cup qualifier.

He has demonstrated he will acknowledge loyalty after others impressed so much in Belgrade, demonstrating that no-one, no matter who they are, will simply return automatically into his squad, irrespective of their standing.

Tuchel warned "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 situation.

Team Spirit

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

Tuchel was hugely impressed with the spirit in England's squad, which he described was the best since he was hired, adding 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 performed well 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.

Interestingly, Arsenal's Bukayo Saka has only recently returned from a hamstring problem, but is recalled to fill the opening 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 indifferent season last term - and Everton forward Jack Grealish, who has been exceptional since joining 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 instant route back for the pair despite a demand for their selection - once again demonstrating Tuchel was highly satisfied with what he observed at the last international camp.

World Cup Preparation

He maintained 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 results.

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