Three Lions' top talents are unable to operate simultaneously - does the manager have a point?
After achieving six consecutive triumphs out of six, zero goals allowed and a World Cup spot assured before the final rounds, England manager Thomas Tuchel might claim he has got all of his big qualifying decisions correct.
Nevertheless, in the build-up to Thursday's home game against Serbia, he raised questions when he claimed that three of the nation's top talents - Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Harry Kane - cannot play in the same team.
"Currently, if we stick with the system, they cannot play.
"They might but not within this system, not preserving harmony that we created and not for the structure that incorporates wingers who are highly specialized in their positions. We currently utilize with specific numbered positions."
From automatic picks to contested places
Foden and Bellingham have been used in wide positions for England in the past, but Tuchel's selections suggest that the Manchester United forward and the Gunners' star are his first choices on the left and right flank respectively.
The question remains whether Bellingham, Foden and Kane play together?
Former Three Lions boss certainly thought so.
Bellingham, Foden and Kane were selected for each England's seven fixtures at Euro 2024 in Germany, where the national squad were defeated by Spain in the final.
In the 16 fixtures the three have featured together, England have won 10, drawn three and suffered three losses, scoring 36 times and conceding 14.
Analysis: Foden's versatility gives Tuchel options
Tuchel has utilized a 4-2-3-1 formation that changes shape when England attack.
The Aston Villa player has been the key creative force because of his excellent dribbling, shooting ability and skill in entering the penalty area when the striker drops deep.
Tuchel has mentioned preferring natural flank operators. Saka and Gordon regularly feature on the wings and can maintain possession effectively, challenge defenders, and arrive in the box to score.
In midfield behind the attackers, Tuchel employs a double pivot consisting of a disciplined defensive presence and one with more license to contribute to the attack.
What solutions exist for the trio?
Foden and Bellingham would be battling with attacking alternatives for the creative hub, with Kane probably featuring up front.
Foden could feature as the main forward, which in theory could permit both Bellingham and Foden to operate without the captain.
There is one way all three could coexist effectively and Tuchel hinted at it this week.
"With his club, he operates similarly to a number eight or 10, so maybe during the next months we consider him as a box-to-box player," he said.
Foden has been used in a more all-purpose midfield role this season.
That has permitted him to contribute from midfield and could position him as the central midfielder, alongside a holding midfielder.
This would then allow Bellingham to play as the creative force and Kane as the center forward.
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.
