England's star trio can't play together - is Tuchel right?
Having secured six victories out of six, no goals conceded and a World Cup spot secured with two group games to spare, England manager Thomas Tuchel might claim he has got all of his big qualifying decisions correct.
Yet, in the preparation for Thursday's domestic match against Serbia, he sparked a debate when he claimed that three of the country's best players - Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Harry Kane - struggle to perform in the same team.
"Currently, if we stick with the system, they cannot play.
"They might but not in the structure, not maintaining equilibrium that we created and not in this formation that comes also with wingers who are highly specialized in their positions. We currently utilize with a six, eight, a 10 and a nine."
From certain starters to fighting for spots
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 first choices on the wide areas respectively.
But can Bellingham, Foden and Kane operate simultaneously?
Former Three Lions boss evidently thought it possible.
Bellingham, Foden and Kane were selected for each England's seven games at Euro 2024 in Germany, where Southgate's side fell to the Spanish in the final.
In the 16 matches the three have featured simultaneously, England have won 10, shared points three times and been defeated three times, registering 36 scores and allowing 14 goals.
Analysis: Foden's versatility gives Tuchel options
Tuchel has played a 4-2-3-1 system that alters structure when England attack.
Morgan Rogers has been the key creative force because of his excellent dribbling, ball-striking and capacity to penetrate the area when the forward retreats.
Tuchel has discussed favoring natural flank operators. The Arsenal and Newcastle stars regularly feature on the wings and can hold the ball well, challenge defenders, and appear in scoring positions.
In midfield behind the attackers, Tuchel employs a double pivot consisting of a disciplined defensive presence and a partner with attacking liberty to support offensive play.
Potential configurations for England's stars
Foden and Bellingham would be competing with other creative midfielders for the attacking midfield position, with Kane probably featuring up front.
Foden could feature as the central striker, which theoretically could permit both Bellingham and Foden to play at Kane's expense.
There is a potential solution all three could coexist effectively and Tuchel suggested it this week.
"At Manchester City, he plays almost like a number eight or 10, 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 number eight, next to a more defensive number six.
This would then permit Bellingham to feature as the creative force and Kane as the striker.
No matter whether Tuchel decides to set England up like this at the World Cup, what seems encouraging is his willingness to leave big players out in the interest of team harmony.