England's star trio are unable to fit in the same lineup - does the manager have a point?
Having secured six victories in six games, no goals conceded and tournament placement confirmed with matches remaining, England manager Thomas Tuchel could suggest he has made the right selection choices.
Nevertheless, in the build-up to Thursday's domestic match against Serbia, he sparked a debate when he stated that three of the England's elite footballers - Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Harry Kane - struggle to perform in the same team.
"At the moment, if we maintain the formation, they cannot play.
"It's possible but not with current tactics, not for the balance that we established and not within the framework that comes also with wingers who are essentially experts in their positions. We presently employ with defensive, central, attacking midfielders and striker."
From guaranteed positions to competitive roles
England's creative talents have been utilized out wide for England in the past, but Tuchel's selections imply that the Manchester United forward and the Gunners' star are his primary selections on the wing positions respectively.
But can Bellingham, Foden and Kane operate simultaneously?
Former Three Lions boss certainly thought so.
Bellingham, Foden and Kane were selected for each 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 three have featured together, England have secured 10 victories, shared points three times and lost three, netting 36 goals and allowing 14 goals.
Analysis: Foden's versatility gives Tuchel options
Tuchel has utilized a 4-2-3-1 formation that changes shape when England attack.
The Aston Villa player has been the primary attacking midfielder because of his strong ball-carrying, strike quality and skill in entering the penalty area when the number nine withdraws.
Tuchel has spoken about preferring specialist wingers. The Arsenal and Newcastle stars play out wide weekly and can retain the ball skillfully, engage in one-on-one situations, and arrive in the box to score.
Behind this front four, Tuchel utilizes two central midfielders consisting of a disciplined defensive presence and one with more license to support offensive play.
What solutions exist for the trio?
Foden and Bellingham would be vying against attacking alternatives for the creative hub, with Kane likely to start up front.
Foden could feature as the central striker, which theoretically could allow 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.
"With his club, he functions as a central or attacking midfielder, 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 advanced playmaker, paired with a defensive anchor.
This would then allow Bellingham to play as the creative force and Kane as the striker.
Regardless of if Tuchel opts to structure the side like this at the World Cup, what seems encouraging is his willingness to leave big players out in the pursuit of tactical equilibrium.
