🔗 Share this article

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

The 22-year-old, who notoriously uttered "who else?" when scoring 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 consider.

It is illogical to propose Bellingham's exclusion is evidence Tuchel regards him as dispensable, but it shows the German will not be in thrall to any player, or bow to the demands of his star players as his forerunners - most notably Sven-Goran Eriksson - previously did.

The era of automatic recalls for the biggest names by starstruck managers and coaches are finished under Tuchel. Reputations amount to nothing. Current form do.

Fitness Considerations

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

Bellingham has also come on three times off the bench, but this was insufficient for Tuchel to acknowledge 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 relationship with Bellingham has already created headlines, 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 not been slow to commend the midfielder.

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

Coach's Perspective

The German stated Bellingham had "desired selection" and that "he remains a special player, and for special players there can always be exceptions."

But Tuchel is determined England's fortunes will not be shaped by whether Bellingham is present or not, especially with next summer's World Cup in mind.

"Are we 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 inconceivable, but Tuchel has put down a marker by making it clear not every strategy he devises will be dependent on him being in the team.

Squad Strength

Tuchel, crucially, 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 shown he will acknowledge loyalty after others impressed 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 cautioned "there are absolutely no guarantees" for any player - and his Bellingham decision validates it.

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

Squad Spirit

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

Tuchel was extremely impressed with the atmosphere in England's squad, which he said was the best since he was appointed, adding 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.

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 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 problem, but is selected to occupy the opening left by injury to his Gunners' 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 - returning to top form after an indifferent season last term - and Everton forward Jack Grealish, who has been exceptional since signing on loan from Manchester City.

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

Tournament Preparation

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

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