England's star trio are unable to operate simultaneously - is Tuchel right?
Having secured six victories out of six, an unbreached defense and World Cup qualification confirmed with matches remaining, Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel can argue he has made the right selection choices.
However, in the lead-up to Thursday's home game against Serbia, he sparked a debate when he stated that three of the nation's top talents - Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Harry Kane - cannot play in the same team.
"At the moment, if we maintain the formation, they won't fit together.
"They can but not with current tactics, not for the balance that we established and not within the framework that incorporates wingers who are like specialists in their positions. We presently employ with specific numbered positions."
From guaranteed positions to competitive roles
The Manchester City and Real Madrid stars have been utilized out wide for England in the past, but Tuchel's selections indicate that the Barcelona loanee and Arsenal's winger are his first choices on the left and right flank respectively.
But can Bellingham, Foden and Kane operate simultaneously?
Gareth Southgate evidently thought it possible.
Bellingham, Foden and Kane started all of England's seven games at last summer's tournament in Germany, where Southgate's side fell to the Spanish in the final.
In the 16 fixtures the three have featured simultaneously, England have triumphed 10 times, tied three matches and lost three, netting 36 goals and allowing 14 goals.
Analysis: Foden's versatility gives Tuchel options
Tuchel has employed a four-two-three-one setup that transforms formation when England attack.
The young midfielder has been the key creative force because of his excellent dribbling, strike quality and skill in entering the penalty area when the number nine withdraws.
Tuchel has mentioned preferring dedicated wide players. The wide attackers play out wide weekly and can retain the ball skillfully, engage in one-on-one situations, and appear in scoring positions.
Behind this front four, Tuchel utilizes two central midfielders consisting of one defensively strict player and a partner with attacking liberty to support offensive play.
Potential configurations for England's stars
Foden and Bellingham would be competing with attacking alternatives for the creative hub, with Kane likely to start up front.
Foden could play as the number nine, which theoretically could permit both Bellingham and Foden to feature instead of Kane.
There is one way all three could feature together and Tuchel suggested it this week.
"With his club, he operates similarly to a box-to-box or creative role, so potentially in future we view him as a number eight," he said.
Foden has been used in a more all-purpose midfield role this season.
That has permitted him to contribute from midfield and could make him an option as the central midfielder, alongside a holding midfielder.
This would then enable Bellingham to operate as the attacking midfielder and Kane as the center forward.
No matter whether Tuchel chooses to configure the team like this at the World Cup, what seems encouraging is his readiness to exclude star names in the interest of team harmony.
