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Thomas Tuchel's choice to ignore Jude Bellingham's wish to be selected in his most recent England squad demonstrates the head coach envisions a wider picture extending beyond the Real Madrid phenomenon.

The young midfielder, who famously mouthed "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 consider.

It is nonsensical to propose Bellingham's omission is evidence Tuchel regards him as dispensable, but it indicates the German will not be subservient to any player, or bow to the demands of his biggest names as his forerunners - most notably Sven-Goran Eriksson - did.

The era of automatic recalls for the top players by impressionable managers and coaches are finished under Tuchel. Past achievements count for nothing. Performances do.

Fitness Considerations

His decision is also grounded in 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 insufficient for Tuchel to take note of his wish to be in the group who play Wales in a Wembley friendly before journeying to Latvia for a World Cup qualifier.

Past Controversies

Tuchel's dynamic with Bellingham has already generated 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, insisting he used the word "unintentionally" and has been quick to commend the midfielder.

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

Coach's Perspective

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 resolved England's success will not be determined by whether Bellingham is available or not, especially with next summer's World Cup in mind.

"Are we 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 unthinkable, 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 Strength

Tuchel, crucially, is working and choosing 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 performed well so much in Belgrade, demonstrating that no-one, no matter who they are, will simply walk back into his squad, irrespective of their standing.

Tuchel cautioned "there are definitely no guarantees" for any player - and his Bellingham decision validates it.

His remarks that Bellingham wanted to be in the squad, but was then not selected, were revealing in this situation.

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 hired, stating to the most impressive 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 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 filled by Bellingham had he been fit in Belgrade.

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

Other Exclusions

The other big topic of discussion 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 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 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 gathering.

World Cup Planning

He insisted all sessions leading up the World Cup, with England needing only five points to secure 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.