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Thomas Tuchel has stated that putting together the most talented footballers is no assurance of creating the most effective team unit. Tuchel suggested that even if the Real Madrid midfielder had returned to peak fitness after his shoulder injury, the player could still have missed out from the latest national team selection.

Emphasis on Squad Harmony

England's head coach further revealed that Bukayo Saka's return may not have happened if his teammate Noni Madueke been available. Tuchel has placed significant emphasis on squad unity with his choices for the forthcoming friendly against Wales and World Cup qualifier against Latvia.

"We're building the best team," stated Tuchel, who questioned the traditional thinking that championship teams always select their top forwards.

Proven Success

Tuchel pointed to the excellent atmosphere in the previous campaign where the national team beat Andorra and performed brilliantly versus Serbia in Bellingham's absence. Tuchel observed no reason to change the squad chemistry which delivered those impressive performances.

• Bellingham left out 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 to fitness concerns, he recognized that the player wanted to be included during their conversation. The German coach had previously apologized to Bellingham for comments about his on-field conduct.

"Would you agree that behavior on the bench, commitment in sessions, and team togetherness enables the first team to perform at their best?" Tuchel asked.

Team Choices Explained

The coach stressed that his decisions were not personal targeting specific individuals but instead recognized those who had delivered during the previous campaign.

"How would I justify dropping them while remaining credible with my statements?" Tuchel asked.

Injury Enforced Changes

The sole alteration in selection was compulsory with the unfit Noni Madueke making way for the recovered Bukayo Saka. Tuchel clarified that even Saka might have missed out if Madueke stayed healthy.

Other absentees featured Chelsea's attacking midfielder, who remains to struggle with fitness issues. Given just two additional gatherings prior to the tournament, opportunities are diminishing for some players to prove themselves.

World Cup Scheduling Concerns

Tuchel expressed his preference for national team matches to begin at later times because of temperature worries in North America. Tuchel recognized this would create watching problems for UK supporters but maintained athlete protection remains the priority.

"I know supporters won't be happy but for us it's preferable with later kickoffs," Tuchel said. "Our athletes make the sport and we must safeguard them."