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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 phenomenon.

The young midfielder, 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 understands 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 demands of his biggest names as his predecessors - most notably Sven-Goran Eriksson - did.

The days of automatic recalls for the biggest names by starstruck managers and coaches are finished under Tuchel. Reputations count for nothing. Performances do.

Medical Factors

His decision is also based on solid common sense, with Bellingham beginning only one game for Real Madrid, the 5-2 defeat to Atletico Madrid, after shoulder surgery.

Bellingham has also come on three times off the bench, but this was not enough for Tuchel to acknowledge 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 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 publicly apologised, maintaining he used the word "unintentionally" and has not been slow to praise 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 regarded as the central figure of England's team.

Manager's Viewpoint

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

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

"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 cancel?"

The notion 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 formulates will be reliant on him being in the team.

Team Depth

Tuchel, crucially, is working 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 return automatically into his squad, regardless of their standing.

Tuchel cautioned "there are definitely 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 revealing in this context.

Team Chemistry

Bellingham may be displeased following his discussion 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 hired, stating to the finest display since he assumed control when Serbia were demolished in Belgrade.

He has no desire to disturb that unity, even if that means Bellingham having to be patient.

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 available in Belgrade.

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

Additional 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 inconsistent season last term - and Everton forward Jack Grealish, who has been exceptional since signing 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, resulting in four assists.

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

Tournament Preparation

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

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