England's star trio can't fit in the same lineup - is Tuchel right?
With six wins out of six, zero goals allowed and World Cup qualification secured with two group games to spare, England manager Thomas Tuchel might claim he has made the right selection choices.
Nevertheless, in the lead-up to Thursday's home game against Serbia, he initiated discussion when he stated that three of the nation's top talents - Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Harry Kane - cannot play in the identical lineup.
"Currently, if we keep the structure, they are unable to feature.
"It's possible but not with current tactics, not maintaining equilibrium that we created and not within the framework that incorporates wingers who are highly specialized in their positions. We play at the moment with defensive, central, attacking midfielders and striker."
From automatic picks to contested places
England's creative talents have been used in wide positions for England in the past, but the manager's choices imply that the Manchester United forward and Bukayo Saka are his primary selections on the left and right flank respectively.
But can Bellingham, Foden and Kane play together?
Former Three Lions boss apparently believed they could.
Bellingham, Foden and Kane featured in every England's seven matches at Euro 2024 in Germany, where Southgate's side were defeated by Spain in the final.
In the 16 matches the trio have played alongside each other, England have won 10, drawn three and lost three, registering 36 scores and allowing 14 goals.
Analysis: Foden's versatility gives Tuchel options
Tuchel has played a 4-2-3-1 system that transforms formation when England attack.
The Aston Villa player has been the main number 10 because of his impressive ball progression, ball-striking and capacity to penetrate the area when the striker drops deep.
Tuchel has spoken about preferring natural flank operators. The Arsenal and Newcastle stars regularly feature on the wings and can maintain possession effectively, challenge defenders, and arrive in the box to score.
Supporting the attacking quartet, Tuchel plays with a midfield two consisting of a holding midfielder and a partner with attacking liberty to support offensive play.
What solutions exist for the trio?
Foden and Bellingham would be competing with Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers and Eberechi Eze for the attacking midfield position, with Kane expected to lead up front.
Foden could feature as the main forward, which in theory could enable both Bellingham and Foden to feature instead of Kane.
There is a potential solution 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 view him as a box-to-box player," he said.
Foden has been deployed in a versatile central position this season.
That has permitted him to contribute from midfield and could make him an option as the number eight, alongside a holding midfielder.
This would then permit Bellingham to feature as the number 10 and Kane as the striker.
No matter whether Tuchel chooses to configure the team like this at the global tournament, what seems encouraging is his willingness to leave big players out in the interest of team harmony.
