England manager Thomas Tuchel regarding Jude Bellingham omission
Thomas Tuchel's decision to ignore Jude Bellingham's desire to be selected in his most recent England squad demonstrates the head coach envisions 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 knows there are other options Tuchel will consider.
It is illogical to propose Bellingham's omission is evidence Tuchel regards him as dispensable, but it shows 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 - previously did.
The days of automatic recalls for the top players by starstruck managers and coaches are over under Tuchel. Past achievements amount to nothing. Current form do.
Medical Factors
His decision is also based on sound common sense, with Bellingham starting only one game for Real Madrid, the 5-2 loss to Atletico Madrid, after arm operation.
Bellingham has also appeared three times as a substitute, but this was not enough for Tuchel to acknowledge his wish to be in the group who play Wales in a Wembley exhibition match before travelling to Latvia for a World Cup qualifying match.
Past Headlines
Tuchel's dynamic with Bellingham has already created media attention, 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 publicly apologised, maintaining he used the word "unintentionally" and has not been slow to commend the midfielder.
Tuchel, however, has been in no hurry to restore 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 "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 available 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 withdraw?"
The idea of England going to the World Cup without a fit Bellingham is unthinkable, 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.
Team Depth
Tuchel, crucially, is operating and choosing from a position 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 performed well so much in Belgrade, proving that no-one, no matter who they are, will simply walk back into his squad, irrespective of their standing.
Tuchel cautioned "there are absolutely no guarantees" for any player - and his Bellingham decision validates it.
His remarks that Bellingham desired to be in the squad, but was then not selected, were revealing in this situation.
Team Chemistry
Bellingham may be disappointed following his conversation with Tuchel, but the head coach has other matters - and players - to focus on.
Tuchel was hugely impressed with the atmosphere in England's squad, which he described was the best since he was appointed, adding to the most impressive display since he assumed control when Serbia were demolished in Belgrade.
He has no intention to disturb that spirit, 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 recovered from a hamstring problem, but is recalled to fill 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 generated 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 demonstrating Tuchel was very satisfied with what he saw at the last international gathering.
Tournament Planning
He insisted all camps leading up the World Cup, with England requiring only five points to assure qualification, would be about developing competition and molding his squad as well as outcomes.
The latest England squad shows Tuchel will be faithful to his word.
