Three Lions' top talents can't operate simultaneously - does the manager have a point?
Having secured six victories out of six, zero goals allowed and World Cup qualification secured with two group games to spare, England manager Thomas Tuchel could suggest he has made the right selection choices.
Yet, in the build-up to Thursday's domestic match against Serbia, he sparked a debate when he stated that three of the nation's top talents - Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Harry Kane - struggle to perform in the same team.
"Presently, if we stick with the system, they won't fit together.
"It's possible but not in the structure, not for the balance that we created and not in this formation that also includes wingers who are like specialists in their positions. We presently employ with defensive, central, attacking midfielders and striker."
From guaranteed positions to competitive roles
Foden and Bellingham have been deployed on the flanks for England in the past, but Tuchel's selections imply that the Manchester United forward and Arsenal's winger are his primary selections on the wing positions respectively.
So can Bellingham, Foden and Kane operate simultaneously?
Gareth Southgate apparently believed they could.
Bellingham, Foden and Kane featured in every England's seven games at Euro 2024 in Germany, where Southgate's side were defeated by Spain in the final.
In the 16 fixtures the trio have played simultaneously, England have triumphed 10 times, drawn three and lost three, 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 alters structure when England attack.
Morgan Rogers has been the key creative force because of his excellent dribbling, ball-striking and skill in entering the penalty area when the number nine withdraws.
Tuchel has discussed favoring natural flank operators. The Arsenal and Newcastle stars play out wide weekly and can hold the ball well, engage in one-on-one situations, and arrive in the box to score.
In midfield behind the attackers, Tuchel plays with a midfield two consisting of a disciplined defensive presence and one with more license to support offensive play.
Potential configurations for England's stars
Foden and Bellingham would be vying against other creative midfielders for the creative hub, with Kane expected to lead up front.
Foden could operate as the central striker, which in theory could permit both Bellingham and Foden to operate without the captain.
There is an alternative approach all three could play in this system and Tuchel hinted at it this week.
"With his club, he functions as a box-to-box or creative role, so potentially in future we view him as a box-to-box player," he said.
Foden has been deployed in a versatile central position this season.
That has enabled him to operate from deeper areas and could position 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 opts to structure the side like this at the global tournament, what appears positive is his willingness to leave big players out in the interest of team harmony.
