England's star trio can't operate simultaneously - what's the verdict?
After achieving six consecutive triumphs in six games, no goals conceded and World Cup qualification confirmed with matches remaining, national team coach Thomas Tuchel might claim he has chosen wisely throughout qualification.
Nevertheless, in the preparation for 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 - cannot play in the same team.
"At the moment, if we maintain the formation, they are unable to feature.
"They might but not within this system, not maintaining equilibrium that we developed and not within the framework that comes also with wingers who are essentially experts in their positions. We play at the moment with specific numbered positions."
From certain starters to fighting for spots
The Manchester City and Real Madrid stars have been utilized out wide for England in the past, but Tuchel's selections imply that the Manchester United forward and Bukayo Saka are his preferred options on the left and right flank respectively.
But can Bellingham, Foden and Kane operate simultaneously?
The previous England manager certainly thought so.
Bellingham, Foden and Kane started all of England's seven games at the European Championship in Germany, where Southgate's side lost to Spain in the final.
In the 16 games the trio have played alongside each other, England have won 10, drawn three and suffered three losses, netting 36 goals and allowing 14 goals.
Analysis: Foden's versatility gives Tuchel options
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 impressive ball progression, ball-striking and ability to attack the box when the number nine withdraws.
Tuchel has spoken about preferring specialist wingers. The wide attackers consistently operate in wide areas and can hold the ball well, take their full-back on, and appear in scoring positions.
In midfield behind the attackers, Tuchel plays with a midfield two consisting of a holding midfielder and one with more license to join the forward movement.
Potential configurations for England's stars
Foden and Bellingham would be vying against other creative midfielders for the creative hub, with Kane probably featuring up front.
Foden could feature as the number nine, which potentially could permit both Bellingham and Foden to play at Kane's expense.
There is one way all three could play in this system and Tuchel hinted at it this week.
"For Man City, he plays almost like 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 used in a more all-purpose midfield role this season.
That has permitted him to contribute from midfield and could position him as the advanced playmaker, paired with a defensive anchor.
This would then permit Bellingham to feature as the number 10 and Kane as the striker.
Irrespective of whether Tuchel opts to structure the side like this at the international competition, what appears positive is his readiness to exclude star names in the pursuit of tactical equilibrium.
