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Thomas Tuchel has stated that assembling the most talented players does not guarantee creating the best squad dynamic. Tuchel suggested that even if Jude Bellingham had returned to peak fitness after his shoulder injury, he might still have been omitted from the latest England squad.

Emphasis on Squad Harmony

England's head coach further revealed that Bukayo Saka's return might not have occurred had his fellow Arsenal player the injured winger been available. The coach has put significant emphasis on squad unity with his choices for the upcoming Wales friendly and World Cup qualifier against Latvia.

"We're building the strongest squad," said the England boss, who challenged the conventional wisdom that World Cup winners typically choose their top attacking players.

Previous Results

The manager referenced the positive energy in the previous campaign when England beat Andorra and performed brilliantly versus the Serbian team in Bellingham's absence. He saw little justification to alter the squad chemistry that produced such positive results.

• Bellingham left out even though Real Madrid return
• Foden not included despite resurgence
• Grealish additionally missed out

Fitness Considerations

While Tuchel partially explained Bellingham's exclusion due to physical condition, he recognized that the player desired selection when they spoke. The German coach had earlier said sorry to the midfielder for remarks regarding his playing conduct.

"Would you agree that attitude from substitutes, support from training, and team togetherness enables the first team to play to their potential?" he questioned.

Team Choices Explained

Tuchel emphasized that his selections weren't individual targeting specific individuals but instead rewarded those who had performed in the last international break.

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

Necessary Adjustments

The sole alteration in selection was compulsory with the unfit Noni Madueke being replaced by the recovered Saka. Tuchel clarified that the Arsenal winger could have been excluded had Madueke remained fit.

Additional omissions featured Chelsea's attacking midfielder, who continues to struggle with fitness issues. Given just two additional gatherings prior to the tournament, opportunities are diminishing for certain individuals to impress.

World Cup Scheduling Concerns

Tuchel expressed his desire for national team matches to begin at later times due to heat concerns in North America. He acknowledged this might cause watching problems for UK supporters but insisted player welfare remains the priority.

"I understand the fans will not like it but for the team it's preferable if we play later," Tuchel said. "Our athletes are the game and we have to protect them."