Tuchel puts an end to period of starstruck managers automatically selecting big names

Thomas Tuchel's choice to overlook Jude Bellingham's wish to be included in his latest England squad demonstrates 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 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 proof Tuchel regards him as dispensable, but it shows the German will not be in thrall to any player, or bow to the whims of his star players as his forerunners - most notably Sven-Goran Eriksson - did.

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

Fitness Factors

His decision is also grounded in sound common sense, with Bellingham beginning only one game for Real Madrid, the 5-2 loss to Atletico Madrid, after shoulder surgery.

Bellingham has also appeared three times off the bench, but this was not enough for Tuchel to acknowledge his wish to be in the group who face Wales in a Wembley friendly before journeying to Latvia for a World Cup qualifier.

Past Headlines

Tuchel's dynamic 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 conduct as "unpleasant".

He later publicly apologised, maintaining he used the word "accidentally" 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 central figure of England's team.

Coach's Viewpoint

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 determined 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 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 plan he formulates will be dependent on him being in the team.

Team Depth

Tuchel, crucially, is operating 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 acknowledge 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 absolutely no guarantees" for any player - and his Bellingham decision confirms it.

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

Squad Chemistry

Bellingham may be displeased following his discussion with Tuchel, but the head coach has different priorities - and players - to focus 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 finest display since he took over when Serbia were overwhelmed in Belgrade.

He has no intention to disrupt 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 recovered from a hamstring injury, but is recalled to fill the opening left by injury to his Arsenal team-mate Noni Madueke.

Other Exclusions

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 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 immediate route back for the pair despite a demand for their selection - once again demonstrating Tuchel was highly satisfied with what he saw at the last international gathering.

World Cup Planning

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

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