England manager Thomas Tuchel regarding Jude Bellingham exclusion
Thomas Tuchel's decision to ignore Jude Bellingham's wish to be selected in his latest England squad demonstrates the head coach sees a wider 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 proof Tuchel regards him as dispensable, but it indicates the German will not be in thrall to any player, or bow to the whims of his biggest names as his forerunners - most notably Sven-Goran Eriksson - previously did.
The era of guaranteed selections for the biggest names by impressionable managers and coaches are finished under Tuchel. Reputations amount to nothing. Current form do.
Fitness Factors
His decision is also based on solid common sense, with Bellingham beginning only one game for Real Madrid, the 5-2 loss to Atletico Madrid, after arm operation.
Bellingham has also come on three times as a substitute, but this was not enough for Tuchel to take note of his desire to be in the group who play Wales in a Wembley friendly before travelling to Latvia for a World Cup qualifying match.
Previous Controversies
Tuchel's relationship with Bellingham has already generated media attention, particularly when he confessed 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 "repulsive".
He later expressed regret, 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 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 special rules."
But Tuchel is determined England's fortunes will not be shaped by whether Bellingham is present or not, especially with next summer's World Cup in mind.
"Are we a better team with Jude? Yes," commented Tuchel. "But I told you before, what do we do if Jude is unfit 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 precedent by making it clear not every strategy he formulates will be reliant on him being in the team.
Squad Depth
Tuchel, importantly, is operating and choosing from a position of strength after the impressive 5-0 win away to Serbia in England's last World Cup qualifier.
He has demonstrated he will reward 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 definitely 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 context.
Team Chemistry
Bellingham may be displeased following his conversation with Tuchel, but the head coach has different priorities - and players - to focus on.
Tuchel was extremely impressed with the atmosphere in England's squad, which he described was the best since he was appointed, adding to the finest 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 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 shone 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 selected to occupy the vacancy left by injury to his Gunners' team-mate Noni Madueke.
Additional 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 inconsistent 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 clamour for their inclusion - once again demonstrating Tuchel was very satisfied with what he saw at the last international gathering.
Tournament Planning
He maintained all sessions leading up the World Cup, with England requiring only five points to assure qualification, would be about developing competition and shaping his squad as well as outcomes.
The latest England squad demonstrates Tuchel will be faithful to his word.
