England's star trio are unable to fit in the same lineup - is Tuchel right?
After achieving six consecutive triumphs out of six, an unbreached defense and a World Cup spot secured with two group games to spare, Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel could suggest he has chosen wisely throughout qualification.
However, in the lead-up to Thursday's domestic match against Serbia, he raised questions when he stated that three of the nation's top talents - Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Harry Kane - are unable to feature in the equivalent formation.
"Presently, if we maintain the formation, they won't fit together.
"They might but not within this system, not preserving harmony that we developed and not in this formation that incorporates wingers who are essentially experts in their positions. We presently employ with defensive, central, attacking midfielders and striker."
From certain starters to fighting for spots
England's creative talents have been deployed on the flanks for England in the past, but Tuchel's selections suggest that Marcus Rashford and the Gunners' star are his primary selections on the wide areas respectively.
The question remains whether Bellingham, Foden and Kane play together?
Former Three Lions boss evidently thought it possible.
Bellingham, Foden and Kane were selected for each England's seven games at the European Championship in Germany, where the England team lost to Spain in the final.
In the 16 matches the trio have played alongside each other, England have won 10, shared points three times and suffered three losses, registering 36 scores and letting in 14 strikes.
Tactical insight: Foden's flexibility provides alternatives
Tuchel has utilized a 4-2-3-1 formation that transforms formation when England attack.
The young midfielder has been the primary attacking midfielder because of his strong ball-carrying, ball-striking and capacity to penetrate the area when the number nine withdraws.
Tuchel has mentioned preferring dedicated wide players. Saka and Gordon play out wide weekly and can maintain possession effectively, engage in one-on-one situations, and enter the area to finish.
Supporting the attacking quartet, Tuchel plays with a midfield two consisting of a disciplined defensive presence and another with greater freedom to join the forward movement.
Potential configurations for England's stars
Foden and Bellingham would be battling with attacking alternatives for the number 10 role, with Kane probably featuring up front.
Foden could play as the main forward, which potentially could permit both Bellingham and Foden to play at Kane's expense.
There is an alternative approach all three could feature together and Tuchel suggested it this week.
"At Manchester City, he operates similarly to a number eight or 10, so perhaps in coming months we consider him as a box-to-box player," 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, next to a more defensive number six.
This would then permit Bellingham to feature as the attacking midfielder and Kane as the nine.
No matter whether Tuchel decides to set England up like this at the international competition, what seems encouraging is his willingness to leave big players out in the name of balance.
