Three Lions' top talents are unable to fit in the same lineup - does the manager have a point?
Having secured six victories from six matches, zero goals allowed and a World Cup spot assured before the final rounds, Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel can argue he has made the right selection choices.
Yet, in the lead-up to Thursday's domestic match against Serbia, he sparked a debate when he said that three of the nation's top talents - Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Harry Kane - are unable to feature in the same team.
"Currently, if we stick with the system, they cannot play.
"It's possible but not with current tactics, not for the balance that we established and not for the structure that incorporates wingers who are like specialists in their positions. We presently employ with defensive, central, attacking midfielders and striker."
From guaranteed positions to competitive roles
The Manchester City and Real Madrid stars have been utilized out wide for England in the past, but his team selections suggest that the Barcelona loanee and the Gunners' star are his primary selections on the wing positions respectively.
The question remains whether Bellingham, Foden and Kane play together?
Gareth Southgate apparently believed they could.
Bellingham, Foden and Kane were selected for each England's seven fixtures at the European Championship in Germany, where Southgate's side were defeated by Spain in the final.
In the 16 fixtures the stars have performed simultaneously, England have triumphed 10 times, shared points three times and lost three, scoring 36 times and letting in 14 strikes.
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, ball-striking and ability to attack the box when the striker drops deep.
Tuchel has discussed favoring natural flank operators. Saka and Gordon regularly feature on the wings and can retain the ball skillfully, challenge defenders, and enter the area to finish.
In midfield behind the attackers, Tuchel utilizes two central midfielders consisting of a disciplined defensive presence and another with greater freedom to support offensive play.
Potential configurations for England's stars
Foden and Bellingham would be competing with Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers and Eberechi Eze for the attacking midfield position, with Kane expected to lead up front.
Foden could operate 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 alluded to it this week.
"At Manchester City, he functions as a box-to-box or creative role, so perhaps in coming 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 permitted him to contribute from midfield and could position him as the advanced playmaker, paired with a defensive anchor.
This would then enable Bellingham to operate as the number 10 and Kane as the center forward.
No matter whether Tuchel opts to structure the side like this at the international competition, what appears positive is his preparedness to omit established stars in the name of balance.
