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Thomas Tuchel's choice to ignore Jude Bellingham's desire to be selected in his most recent England squad is proof the head coach envisions a broader picture extending beyond the Real Madrid superstar.

The 22-year-old, who notoriously mouthed "who else?" when netting a spectacular stoppage-time overhead kick as England beat Slovakia in the last 16 of Euro 2024, now knows there are other options Tuchel will evaluate.

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

The days of guaranteed selections for the top players by impressionable managers and coaches are finished under Tuchel. Reputations amount to nothing. Performances do.

Medical Factors

His ruling is also grounded in 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 come on three times off the bench, but this was not enough for Tuchel to take note of his desire to be in the group who play Wales in a Wembley exhibition match before travelling to Latvia for a World Cup qualifier.

Past Controversies

Tuchel's relationship with Bellingham has already generated media attention, particularly when he admitted 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 "accidentally" and has not been slow to praise the midfielder.

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

Manager'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 determined England's fortunes will not be shaped 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 fit Bellingham is unthinkable, but Tuchel has put down a precedent by making it clear not every plan he formulates will be dependent on him being in the team.

Squad Depth

Tuchel, importantly, 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 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 warned "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 included, were informative in this situation.

Team 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 spirit in England's squad, which he described was the best since he was hired, adding to the most impressive display since he assumed control when Serbia were overwhelmed in Belgrade.

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

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 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 returned from a hamstring injury, but is selected to occupy the opening 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 - back to his best 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 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 selection - once again demonstrating Tuchel was highly satisfied with what he observed at the last international camp.

Tournament Planning

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

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