England's star trio can't play together - is Tuchel right?
Having secured six victories in six games, zero goals allowed and a World Cup spot assured before the final rounds, Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel might claim he has got all of his big qualifying decisions correct.
Nevertheless, 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 - are unable to feature in the identical lineup.
"At the moment, if we stick with the system, they won't fit together.
"They can but not within this system, not for the balance that we created and not within the framework that incorporates wingers who are highly specialized in their positions. We presently employ with specific numbered positions."
From automatic picks to contested places
England's creative talents have been utilized out wide for England in the past, but Tuchel's selections suggest that the Barcelona loanee and Bukayo Saka are his preferred options on the wide areas respectively.
The question remains whether Bellingham, Foden and Kane play together?
The previous England manager evidently thought it possible.
Bellingham, Foden and Kane featured in every England's seven fixtures at the European Championship in Germany, where Southgate's side were defeated by Spain in the final.
In the 16 games the stars have performed together, England have triumphed 10 times, shared points three times and suffered three losses, scoring 36 times and conceding 14.
Tactical insight: Foden's flexibility provides alternatives
Tuchel has employed a four-two-three-one setup that alters structure when England attack.
The young midfielder has been the primary attacking midfielder because of his strong ball-carrying, ball-striking and skill in entering the penalty area when the forward retreats.
Tuchel has spoken about preferring natural flank operators. The Arsenal and Newcastle stars regularly feature on the wings 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 utilizes two central midfielders consisting of a disciplined defensive presence and a partner with attacking liberty to contribute to the attack.
What solutions exist for the trio?
Foden and Bellingham would be vying against attacking alternatives for the attacking midfield position, with Kane probably featuring up front.
Foden could feature as the number nine, which in theory could permit both Bellingham and Foden to feature instead of Kane.
There is an alternative approach all three could coexist effectively and Tuchel suggested it this week.
"For Man City, he operates similarly to a box-to-box or creative role, so perhaps in coming months we consider him as a number eight," 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 advanced playmaker, paired with a defensive anchor.
This would then enable Bellingham to operate as the creative force and Kane as the nine.
Regardless of if Tuchel chooses to configure the team like this at the World Cup, what bodes well is his preparedness to omit established stars in the name of balance.
