England's star trio are unable to fit in the same lineup - is Tuchel right?
After achieving six consecutive triumphs in six games, an unbreached defense and World Cup qualification confirmed with matches remaining, Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel might claim he has got all of his big qualifying decisions correct.
However, in the build-up to Thursday's Wembley encounter against Serbia, he initiated discussion when he stated that three of the country's best players - Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Harry Kane - cannot play in the identical lineup.
"Presently, if we maintain the formation, they won't fit together.
"It's possible but not in the structure, not maintaining equilibrium that we established and not in this formation that incorporates wingers who are like specialists in their positions. We currently utilize with specific numbered positions."
From certain starters to fighting for spots
Foden and Bellingham have been deployed on the flanks for England in the past, but his team selections imply that the Barcelona loanee and Bukayo Saka are his preferred options on the wing positions respectively.
But can Bellingham, Foden and Kane coexist in the lineup?
The previous England manager certainly thought so.
Bellingham, Foden and Kane started all of England's seven games at Euro 2024 in Germany, where the England team fell to the Spanish in the final.
In the 16 fixtures the stars have performed simultaneously, England have secured 10 victories, tied three matches and lost three, scoring 36 times and allowing 14 goals.
Tactical insight: Foden's flexibility provides alternatives
Tuchel has utilized a 4-2-3-1 formation that alters structure when England attack.
The young midfielder has been the main number 10 because of his impressive ball progression, strike quality and capacity to penetrate the area when the striker drops deep.
Tuchel has mentioned preferring specialist wingers. The wide attackers regularly feature on the wings and can hold the ball well, take their full-back on, and arrive in the box to score.
Supporting the attacking quartet, Tuchel utilizes two central midfielders consisting of a holding midfielder and one with more license to contribute to the attack.
So how could Tuchel use these three players?
Foden and Bellingham would be competing with other creative midfielders for the creative hub, with Kane likely to start up front.
Foden could feature as the number nine, which in theory could enable both Bellingham and Foden to operate without the captain.
There is one way all three could play in this system and Tuchel suggested it this week.
"With his club, he plays almost like a central or attacking midfielder, so potentially in future we view him as a number eight," he said.
Foden has been utilized as a flexible midfielder 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 creative force and Kane as the nine.
No matter 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.
