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Thomas Tuchel has stated that assembling the most talented footballers does not guarantee building the best squad dynamic. He hinted that even if Jude Bellingham 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 Bukayo Saka's return may not have happened had his fellow Arsenal player Noni Madueke been available. Tuchel has placed significant emphasis on squad unity with his choices for the upcoming friendly against Wales and World Cup qualifier in Latvia.

"We're creating the best team," said the England boss, who questioned the traditional thinking that championship teams always select their top attacking players.

Proven Success

The manager referenced the excellent atmosphere in the previous campaign when England beat Andorra and performed brilliantly versus Serbia without Bellingham. Tuchel observed little justification to change the group dynamic which delivered those impressive results.

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

Fitness Considerations

While Tuchel partially attributed Bellingham's absence due to physical condition, he acknowledged that the player wanted to be included during their conversation. Tuchel had previously said sorry to the midfielder for remarks regarding his playing conduct.

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

Team Choices Explained

Tuchel emphasized that his selections were not personal against any player but instead rewarded those who had delivered during the previous campaign.

"What would be my explanation to leave them out while remaining authentic in my words?" he posed.

Necessary Adjustments

The only change in selection proved necessary with the unfit Madueke making way for the recovered Saka. The manager explained that even Saka could have been excluded had Madueke remained fit.

Other absentees included Chelsea's attacking midfielder, who remains affected by injury problems. With only two more camps before the World Cup, time is running out for some players to impress.

World Cup Scheduling Concerns

The manager revealed his desire for national team matches to begin at later times due to heat concerns in North America. He acknowledged this would create viewing difficulties for UK supporters but maintained player welfare must come first.

"I understand supporters will not like it but for the team it's preferable with later kickoffs," he stated. "Our athletes make the sport and we have to protect them."