Kane, Bellingham and Foden can't fit in the same lineup - is Tuchel right?
Having secured six victories from six matches, no goals conceded and World Cup qualification confirmed with matches remaining, 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 initiated discussion 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 maintain the formation, they cannot play.
"It's possible but not with current tactics, not preserving harmony that we created and not in this formation that incorporates wingers who are highly specialized in their positions. We currently utilize with defensive, central, attacking midfielders and striker."
From certain starters to fighting for spots
England's creative talents have been utilized out wide for England in the past, but Tuchel's selections imply 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 started all of England's seven games at Euro 2024 in Germany, where the national squad fell to the Spanish in the final.
In the 16 matches the three have featured together, England have secured 10 victories, tied three matches and been defeated three times, registering 36 scores and letting in 14 strikes.
Tactical insight: Foden's flexibility provides alternatives
Tuchel has employed a four-two-three-one setup that alters structure when England attack.
The Aston Villa player has been the primary attacking midfielder because of his excellent dribbling, shooting ability and skill in entering the penalty area when the forward retreats.
Tuchel has mentioned preferring specialist wingers. The wide attackers regularly feature on the wings and can retain the ball skillfully, challenge defenders, and appear in scoring positions.
Behind this front four, Tuchel plays with a midfield two consisting of a disciplined defensive presence and one with more license to join the forward movement.
What solutions exist for the trio?
Foden and Bellingham would be competing with attacking alternatives for the creative hub, with Kane probably featuring up front.
Foden could play as the main forward, which in theory could enable both Bellingham and Foden to feature instead of Kane.
There is an alternative approach all three could feature together and Tuchel alluded to it this week.
"At Manchester City, he functions as a central or attacking midfielder, so perhaps in coming months we regard him as a central midfielder," he said.
Foden has been utilized as a flexible midfielder this season.
That has enabled him to operate from deeper areas and could position him as the number eight, paired with a defensive anchor.
This would then enable Bellingham to operate as the number 10 and Kane as the center forward.
Regardless of if Tuchel opts to structure the side like this at the World Cup, what appears positive is his preparedness to omit established stars in the interest of team harmony.
