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The England manager declared that assembling the most talented players is no assurance of creating the most effective team unit. Tuchel suggested regardless of whether the Real Madrid midfielder had returned to peak fitness following his shoulder problem, the player could still have been omitted from the recent England squad.

Emphasis on Squad Harmony

England's head coach also indicated that the Arsenal winger's return may not have happened had his fellow Arsenal player Noni Madueke been available. The coach has put significant emphasis on squad unity in his selection for the upcoming friendly against Wales and World Cup qualifier against Latvia.

"We're building the strongest squad," stated Tuchel, who questioned the conventional wisdom that World Cup winners typically choose their top attacking players.

Proven Success

The manager referenced the excellent atmosphere in the previous international break when England beat Andorra and excelled against Serbia without Bellingham. Tuchel observed no reason to change the group dynamic which delivered such positive performances.

• Bellingham left out even though Real Madrid return
• Foden not included despite resurgence
• Jack Grealish also missed out

Fitness Considerations

Although the manager partly explained Bellingham's exclusion due to physical condition, he recognized that the player wanted to be included during their conversation. Tuchel had previously said sorry to the midfielder for comments about his on-field conduct.

"Would you agree that attitude from substitutes, commitment in sessions, and squad unity enables the starting eleven to play to their potential?" he questioned.

Team Choices Explained

The coach stressed that his decisions were not personal against any player but rather recognized those who had delivered in the last campaign.

"What would be my explanation to leave them out while remaining credible in my words?" Tuchel asked.

Injury Enforced Changes

The sole alteration to the squad was compulsory with injured Noni Madueke making way for the recovered Saka. The manager explained that even Saka could have been excluded had Madueke remained fit.

Additional omissions included Chelsea's Cole Palmer, who continues affected by fitness issues. With only two additional gatherings prior to the tournament, opportunities are diminishing for some players to impress.

Tournament Timing Issues

Tuchel expressed his desire for England's World Cup games to start later because of temperature worries across the host nations. Tuchel recognized this would create watching problems for UK supporters but maintained player welfare remains the priority.

"I understand supporters will not like it but for the team it's better if we play later," Tuchel said. "The players make the sport and we must safeguard them."