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The England manager declared that assembling the highest-profile footballers does not guarantee creating the best team unit. Tuchel suggested regardless of whether the Real Madrid midfielder were fully fit after his shoulder injury, he might still have been omitted from the recent national team selection.

Emphasis on Squad Harmony

England's head coach further revealed that the Arsenal winger's recall may not have happened if his teammate the injured winger been available. The coach has put great importance on team cohesion with his choices for the upcoming friendly against Wales and World Cup qualifier against Latvia.

"We're creating the strongest squad," stated Tuchel, who questioned the traditional thinking that championship teams typically choose their top forwards.

Proven Success

Tuchel pointed to the excellent atmosphere during last month's international break where the national team beat Andorra and excelled against Serbia in Bellingham's absence. Tuchel observed no reason to alter the squad chemistry which delivered those impressive performances.

• Bellingham left out despite club comeback
• Foden not included despite resurgence
• Jack Grealish also missed out

Physical Condition Factors

While Tuchel partially explained Bellingham's exclusion to fitness concerns, he acknowledged that the midfielder desired selection during their conversation. The German coach had earlier said sorry to the midfielder for remarks regarding his playing conduct.

"Don't you think that behavior on the bench, commitment in sessions, and squad unity enables the starting eleven to perform to their potential?" Tuchel asked.

Team Choices Explained

The coach stressed that his selections weren't individual targeting specific individuals but instead rewarded those who had delivered during the previous campaign.

"How would I my explanation dropping them while remaining authentic in my words?" Tuchel asked.

Injury Enforced Changes

The sole alteration in selection proved necessary with injured Noni Madueke being replaced by the returning Saka. The manager explained that the Arsenal winger could have been excluded if Madueke remained fit.

Other absentees featured Chelsea's attacking midfielder, who continues affected by fitness issues. Given just two additional gatherings before the World Cup, time is running out for some players to prove themselves.

Tournament Timing Issues

Tuchel expressed his desire for England's World Cup games to begin at later times due to heat concerns across the host nations. Tuchel recognized this might cause viewing difficulties for UK supporters but maintained player welfare must come first.

"I know supporters won't be happy but for the team it's better if we play later," Tuchel said. "The players are the game and we must safeguard them."