Three Lions' top talents can't operate simultaneously - is Tuchel right?
Having secured six victories out of six, zero goals allowed and World Cup qualification secured with two group games to spare, England manager Thomas Tuchel can argue he has chosen wisely throughout qualification.
Yet, in the lead-up to Thursday's home game against Serbia, he raised questions when he stated that three of the England's elite footballers - Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Harry Kane - cannot play in the equivalent formation.
"Currently, if we stick with the system, they are unable to feature.
"It's possible but not within this system, not preserving harmony that we developed and not for the structure that comes also with wingers who are essentially experts in their positions. We presently employ with a six, eight, a 10 and a nine."
From guaranteed positions to competitive roles
England's creative talents have been used in wide positions for England in the past, but the manager's choices suggest that the Barcelona loanee and the Gunners' star are his first choices on the wide areas 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 matches at last summer's tournament in Germany, where the England team lost to Spain in the final.
In the 16 games the stars have performed simultaneously, England have secured 10 victories, drawn three and been defeated three times, registering 36 scores and allowing 14 goals.
Tactical insight: Foden's flexibility provides alternatives
Tuchel has employed a four-two-three-one setup that alters structure when England attack.
Morgan Rogers has been the key creative force because of his impressive ball progression, strike quality and skill in entering the penalty area when the number nine withdraws.
Tuchel has discussed favoring dedicated wide players. The Arsenal and Newcastle stars regularly feature on the wings and can hold the ball well, engage in one-on-one situations, and enter the area to finish.
In midfield behind the attackers, Tuchel plays with a midfield two consisting of one defensively strict player and a partner with attacking liberty to join the forward movement.
What solutions exist for the trio?
Foden and Bellingham would be battling with other creative midfielders for the attacking midfield position, with Kane probably featuring up front.
Foden could operate as the central striker, which potentially could enable both Bellingham and Foden to operate without the captain.
There is one way all three could coexist effectively and Tuchel suggested it this week.
"For Man City, he functions as a number eight or 10, so perhaps in coming months we regard him as a box-to-box player," he said.
Foden has been deployed in a versatile central position this season.
That has permitted him to contribute from midfield and could position him as the advanced playmaker, alongside a holding midfielder.
This would then enable Bellingham to operate as the creative force and Kane as the striker.
Irrespective of whether Tuchel chooses to configure the team like this at the international competition, what bodes well is his readiness to exclude star names in the name of balance.
