Kane, Bellingham and Foden can't fit in the same lineup - does the manager have a point?
After achieving six consecutive triumphs from six matches, no goals conceded and a World Cup spot assured before the final rounds, Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel could suggest he has got all of his big qualifying decisions correct.
However, in the build-up to Thursday's Wembley encounter against Serbia, he initiated discussion when he said that three of the country's best players - Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Harry Kane - struggle to perform in the identical lineup.
"At the moment, if we keep the structure, they cannot play.
"They might but not with current tactics, not preserving harmony that we established and not in this formation that comes also with wingers who are like specialists in their positions. We play at the moment with specific numbered positions."
From certain starters to fighting for spots
The Manchester City and Real Madrid stars have been deployed on the flanks for England in the past, but Tuchel's selections imply that Marcus Rashford and Bukayo Saka are his preferred options on the wing positions respectively.
But can Bellingham, Foden and Kane coexist in the lineup?
The previous England manager evidently thought it possible.
Bellingham, Foden and Kane started all of England's seven games at Euro 2024 in Germany, where Southgate's side fell to the Spanish in the final.
In the 16 matches the trio have played simultaneously, England have triumphed 10 times, drawn three and lost three, registering 36 scores and allowing 14 goals.
Tactical insight: Foden's flexibility provides alternatives
Tuchel has employed a four-two-three-one setup that transforms formation when England attack.
The Aston Villa player has been the primary attacking midfielder because of his impressive ball progression, shooting ability and ability to attack the box when the number nine withdraws.
Tuchel has mentioned preferring dedicated wide players. The Arsenal and Newcastle stars play out wide weekly and can retain the ball skillfully, engage in one-on-one situations, and enter the area to finish.
In midfield behind the attackers, Tuchel plays with a midfield two consisting of a disciplined defensive presence and one with more license to contribute to the attack.
Potential configurations for England's stars
Foden and Bellingham would be competing with attacking alternatives for the attacking midfield position, with Kane probably featuring up front.
Foden could play as the main forward, which theoretically could allow both Bellingham and Foden to operate without the captain.
There is a potential solution all three could coexist effectively and Tuchel suggested it this week.
"For Man City, he operates similarly to a box-to-box or creative role, so potentially in future we regard him as a number eight," he said.
Foden has been utilized as a flexible midfielder this season.
That has allowed him to take responsibility deeper and could categorize him as the central midfielder, alongside a holding midfielder.
This would then permit Bellingham to feature as the number 10 and Kane as the center forward.
Regardless of if Tuchel opts to structure the side like this at the international competition, what appears positive is his preparedness to omit established stars in the interest of team harmony.
