England's star trio can't operate simultaneously - what's the verdict?
After achieving six consecutive triumphs from six matches, zero goals allowed and a World Cup spot confirmed with matches remaining, England manager Thomas Tuchel can argue he has chosen wisely throughout qualification.
Yet, in the lead-up to Thursday's Wembley encounter against Serbia, he initiated discussion when he said that three of the nation's top talents - Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Harry Kane - are unable to feature in the identical lineup.
"Presently, if we keep the structure, they cannot play.
"They can but not with current tactics, not maintaining equilibrium that we created and not for the structure that incorporates wingers who are highly specialized in their positions. We presently employ 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 his team selections indicate that the Barcelona loanee and the Gunners' star are his primary selections on the wide areas respectively.
The question remains whether Bellingham, Foden and Kane play together?
Gareth Southgate certainly thought so.
Bellingham, Foden and Kane started all of England's seven matches at Euro 2024 in Germany, where Southgate's side fell to the Spanish in the final.
In the 16 games the trio have played together, England have won 10, tied three matches and lost three, registering 36 scores and conceding 14.
Analysis: Foden's versatility gives Tuchel options
Tuchel has utilized a 4-2-3-1 formation that transforms formation when England attack.
Morgan Rogers has been the key creative force because of his excellent dribbling, ball-striking and ability to attack the box when the number nine withdraws.
Tuchel has spoken about preferring natural flank operators. The Arsenal and Newcastle stars play out wide weekly and can retain the ball skillfully, engage in one-on-one situations, and enter the area to finish.
Behind this front four, Tuchel utilizes two central midfielders 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 other creative midfielders for the attacking midfield position, with Kane likely to start up front.
Foden could feature as the main forward, which theoretically could permit both Bellingham and Foden to feature instead of Kane.
There is a potential solution all three could coexist effectively and Tuchel alluded to it this week.
"At Manchester City, he operates similarly to a central or attacking midfielder, so maybe during the next months we consider him as a box-to-box player," he said.
Foden has been deployed in a versatile central position this season.
That has allowed him to take responsibility deeper and could position him as the central midfielder, paired with a defensive anchor.
This would then allow Bellingham to play as the number 10 and Kane as the nine.
Irrespective of whether Tuchel chooses to configure the team like this at the international competition, what appears positive is his preparedness to omit established stars in the pursuit of tactical equilibrium.
