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The England manager declared that assembling the most talented footballers does not guarantee building the most effective team unit. Tuchel suggested regardless of whether 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 had his fellow Arsenal player Noni Madueke remained fit. Tuchel has placed significant emphasis on squad unity in his selection for the forthcoming Wales friendly and subsequent qualifier in Latvia.

"We're creating the best team," said the England boss, who questioned the conventional wisdom that championship teams always select their most dangerous forwards.

Previous Results

The manager referenced the excellent atmosphere in the previous international break where the national team defeated Andorra and excelled against Serbia without Bellingham. He saw no reason to change the squad chemistry which delivered those impressive results.

• Jude Bellingham excluded despite Real Madrid return
• Phil Foden omitted despite resurgence
• Jack Grealish also missed out

Physical Condition Factors

Although the manager partly attributed Bellingham's absence due to physical condition, he recognized that the player desired selection during their conversation. The German coach had previously said sorry to the midfielder for remarks regarding his playing conduct.

"Don't you think that behavior from substitutes, commitment in sessions, and squad unity allows the first team to play to their potential?" Tuchel asked.

Team Choices Explained

The coach stressed that his selections weren't individual against any player but rather rewarded those who had delivered during the previous international break.

"What would be my explanation dropping them while remaining credible with my statements?" he posed.

Necessary Adjustments

The sole alteration in selection proved necessary with the unfit Noni Madueke making way for the returning Saka. Tuchel clarified that the Arsenal winger could have been excluded if Madueke stayed healthy.

Additional omissions included Chelsea's attacking midfielder, who remains to struggle with fitness issues. With only two more camps before the World Cup, opportunities are diminishing for some players to prove themselves.

World Cup Scheduling Concerns

The manager revealed his desire for national team matches to start later due to heat concerns in North America. Tuchel recognized this might cause watching problems for English fans but maintained player welfare must come first.

"I know the fans will not like it but for us it's better if we play later," he stated. "The players are the game and we have safeguard them."