England's manager puts an end to period of starstruck managers routinely picking established stars

Thomas Tuchel's choice to overlook Jude Bellingham's wish to be included in his most recent 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 scoring a spectacular stoppage-time overhead kick as England defeated Slovakia in the last 16 of Euro 2024, now knows there are other options Tuchel will evaluate.

It is nonsensical to suggest Bellingham's exclusion is evidence Tuchel considers him as replaceable, but it indicates the German will not be subservient to any player, or bow to the whims of his star players as his predecessors - most notably Sven-Goran Eriksson - previously did.

The days of automatic recalls for the biggest names by starstruck managers and coaches are over under Tuchel. Reputations amount to nothing. Current form do.

Fitness Factors

His ruling is also grounded in solid common sense, with Bellingham starting 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 take note of his wish to be in the group who play Wales in a Wembley friendly before travelling to Latvia for a World Cup qualifier.

Past Controversies

Tuchel's dynamic with Bellingham has already created headlines, 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 "unpleasant".

He later publicly apologised, insisting he used the word "unintentionally" and has not been slow to commend the midfielder.

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

Coach's Perspective

The German said Bellingham had "desired selection" and that "he is a special player, and for special players there can always be exceptions."

But Tuchel is resolved England's fortunes will not be shaped by whether Bellingham is present 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 unfit before the World Cup? Do we just withdraw?"

The notion of England going to the World Cup without a fit Bellingham is inconceivable, but Tuchel has established a marker by making it clear not every strategy he devises will be dependent on him being in the team.

Squad Strength

Tuchel, importantly, is operating and selecting 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 reward loyalty after others impressed so much in Belgrade, demonstrating that no-one, no matter who they are, will simply return automatically into his squad, irrespective of their standing.

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

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

Squad Spirit

Bellingham may be disappointed following his discussion with Tuchel, but the head coach has other matters - and players - to focus on.

Tuchel was extremely impressed with the spirit in England's squad, which he said was the best since he was appointed, adding to the most impressive display since he assumed control when Serbia were overwhelmed in Belgrade.

He has no intention to disturb that spirit, even if that means Bellingham having to be patient.

Rising 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 available in Belgrade.

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

Additional 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 inconsistent 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, leading to four assists.

Like Bellingham, there is no instant 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 camp.

World Cup Planning

He insisted all camps 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 results.

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