England's star trio struggle to operate simultaneously - does the manager have a point?
With six wins in six games, an unbreached defense and tournament placement confirmed with matches remaining, England manager Thomas Tuchel might claim he has chosen wisely throughout qualification.
However, in the lead-up to Thursday's Wembley encounter against Serbia, he initiated discussion when he stated that three of the country's best players - Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Harry Kane - are unable to feature in the equivalent formation.
"Currently, if we maintain the formation, they are unable to feature.
"They might but not in the structure, not preserving harmony that we created and not in this formation that also includes wingers who are highly specialized in their positions. We currently utilize with defensive, central, attacking midfielders and striker."
From guaranteed positions to competitive roles
The Manchester City and Real Madrid stars have been utilized out wide for England in the past, but his team selections suggest that the Manchester United forward and Arsenal's winger are his first choices on the left and right flank respectively.
But can Bellingham, Foden and Kane play together?
The previous England manager certainly thought so.
Bellingham, Foden and Kane were selected for each England's seven matches at Euro 2024 in Germany, where the England team lost to Spain in the final.
In the 16 matches the three have featured together, England have won 10, tied three matches and been defeated three times, scoring 36 times and letting in 14 strikes.
Analysis: Foden's versatility gives Tuchel options
Tuchel has played a 4-2-3-1 system that alters structure when England attack.
The young midfielder has been the key creative force because of his impressive ball progression, strike quality and capacity to penetrate the area when the striker drops deep.
Tuchel has mentioned preferring natural flank operators. The wide attackers regularly feature on the wings and can maintain possession effectively, take their full-back on, and enter the area to finish.
Supporting the attacking quartet, Tuchel plays with a midfield two consisting of a disciplined defensive presence and a partner with attacking liberty to contribute to the attack.
Potential configurations for England's stars
Foden and Bellingham would be battling with Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers and Eberechi Eze for the creative hub, with Kane expected to lead up front.
Foden could play as the central striker, which potentially could enable both Bellingham and Foden to operate without the captain.
There is an alternative approach all three could feature together and Tuchel alluded to it this week.
"At Manchester City, he operates similarly to a number eight or 10, so perhaps in coming months we regard him as a central midfielder," he said.
Foden has been used in a more all-purpose midfield role this season.
That has allowed him to take responsibility deeper and could position him as the central midfielder, next to a more defensive number six.
This would then enable Bellingham to operate as the creative force and Kane as the striker.
Regardless of if Tuchel chooses to configure the team like this at the international competition, what appears positive is his willingness to leave big players out in the name of balance.
