England's Head Coach Asserts Best Players Don't Always Form the Best Squad
Thomas Tuchel has stated that putting together the most talented footballers is no assurance of building the most effective squad dynamic. He hinted that even if the Real Madrid midfielder were fully fit following his shoulder problem, he might still have been omitted from the recent national team selection.
Focus on Team Spirit
The Three Lions' manager also indicated that the Arsenal winger's recall might not have occurred if his teammate the injured winger remained fit. Tuchel has placed great importance on team cohesion in his selection for the forthcoming friendly against Wales and subsequent qualifier in Latvia.
"We're building the strongest squad," stated Tuchel, who challenged the conventional wisdom that championship teams always select their top attacking players.
Proven Success
The manager referenced the excellent atmosphere during last month's international break where the national team defeated Andorra and excelled against Serbia in Bellingham's absence. He saw no reason to alter the squad chemistry that produced such positive performances.
- Bellingham left out despite club comeback
- Foden not included despite improved form
- Grealish additionally missed out
Fitness Considerations
Although the manager partly attributed Bellingham's absence to fitness concerns, he acknowledged that the midfielder wanted to be included when they spoke. Tuchel had earlier apologized to Bellingham for comments about his on-field conduct.
"Don't you think that behavior on the bench, commitment in sessions, and squad unity enables the first team to perform at their best?" he questioned.
Squad Selection Justification
The coach stressed that his decisions were not personal against any player but instead rewarded those who had performed in the last campaign.
"What would be justify dropping them and still be credible with my statements?" Tuchel asked.
Injury Enforced Changes
The sole alteration to the squad was compulsory with injured Madueke making way for the returning Bukayo Saka. Tuchel clarified that even Saka could have been excluded if Madueke remained fit.
Additional omissions included Chelsea's Cole Palmer, who remains to struggle with fitness issues. With only two additional gatherings prior to the tournament, time is running out for some players to impress.
World Cup Scheduling Concerns
Tuchel expressed his desire for England's World Cup games to start later because of temperature worries across the host nations. Tuchel recognized this might cause watching problems for UK supporters but maintained player welfare remains the priority.
"I know the fans won't be happy but for the team it's preferable with later kickoffs," Tuchel said. "Our athletes make the sport and we have safeguard them."
