Three Lions' top talents can't operate simultaneously - does the manager have a point?
Having secured six victories from six matches, no goals conceded and a World Cup spot secured with two group games to spare, England manager Thomas Tuchel could suggest he has got all of his big qualifying decisions correct.
Nevertheless, in the preparation for Thursday's domestic match against Serbia, he initiated discussion when he stated that three of the nation's top talents - Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Harry Kane - cannot play in the same team.
"Presently, if we stick with the system, they cannot play.
"They might but not within this system, not maintaining equilibrium that we created and not within the framework that also includes wingers who are highly specialized in their positions. We presently employ with a six, eight, a 10 and a nine."
From automatic picks to contested places
The Manchester City and Real Madrid stars have been deployed on the flanks for England in the past, but the manager's choices suggest that Marcus Rashford and Arsenal's winger are his primary selections on the wing positions respectively.
But can Bellingham, Foden and Kane play together?
The previous England manager evidently thought it possible.
Bellingham, Foden and Kane started all of England's seven fixtures at Euro 2024 in Germany, where Southgate's side lost to Spain in the final.
In the 16 matches the trio have played simultaneously, England have secured 10 victories, drawn three and suffered three losses, registering 36 scores and allowing 14 goals.
Strategic view: Versatile Foden offers solutions
Tuchel has utilized a 4-2-3-1 formation that changes shape when England attack.
The young midfielder has been the main number 10 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. Saka and Gordon regularly feature on the wings and can maintain possession effectively, challenge defenders, and arrive in the box to score.
Supporting the attacking quartet, Tuchel plays with a midfield two consisting of one defensively strict player and one with more license to support offensive play.
Potential configurations for England's stars
Foden and Bellingham would be vying against other creative midfielders for the number 10 role, with Kane expected to lead up front.
Foden could play as the central striker, which potentially could enable both Bellingham and Foden to feature instead of Kane.
There is an alternative approach all three could feature together and Tuchel suggested it this week.
"At Manchester City, he operates similarly to a number eight or 10, so maybe during the next months we view him as a central midfielder," he said.
Foden has been used in a more all-purpose midfield role this season.
That has allowed him to take responsibility deeper and could categorize him as the number eight, paired with a defensive anchor.
This would then permit Bellingham to feature as the attacking midfielder and Kane as the center forward.
Regardless of if Tuchel decides to set England up like this at the global tournament, what appears positive is his preparedness to omit established stars in the interest of team harmony.
