England's star trio can't fit in the same lineup - does the manager have a point?
After achieving six consecutive triumphs out of six, zero goals allowed and World Cup qualification assured before the final rounds, England manager Thomas Tuchel might claim he has made the right selection choices.
Yet, in the preparation for 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 - struggle to perform in the equivalent formation.
"Presently, if we maintain the formation, they won't fit together.
"They might but not in the structure, not maintaining equilibrium that we developed and not in this formation that also includes wingers who are essentially experts in their positions. We currently utilize with a six, eight, a 10 and a nine."
From certain starters to fighting for spots
The Manchester City and Real Madrid stars have been utilized out wide for England in the past, but the manager's choices suggest that Marcus Rashford and Arsenal's winger 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 were selected for each England's seven matches at Euro 2024 in Germany, where Southgate's side were defeated by Spain in the final.
In the 16 matches the three have featured alongside each other, England have won 10, drawn three and suffered three losses, scoring 36 times and letting in 14 strikes.
Strategic view: Versatile Foden offers solutions
Tuchel has played a 4-2-3-1 system that changes shape when England attack.
The young midfielder has been the primary attacking midfielder because of his excellent dribbling, ball-striking and skill in entering the penalty area when the forward retreats.
Tuchel has spoken about preferring natural flank operators. The wide attackers play out wide weekly and can retain the ball skillfully, engage in one-on-one situations, and arrive in the box to score.
Supporting the attacking quartet, Tuchel plays with a midfield two 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 battling with Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers and Eberechi Eze for the number 10 role, with Kane expected to lead up front.
Foden could operate as the central striker, which theoretically could enable both Bellingham and Foden to operate without the captain.
There is an alternative approach all three could feature together and Tuchel alluded to it this week.
"For Man City, he operates similarly to a number eight or 10, so perhaps in coming months we regard 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 enable Bellingham to operate as the attacking midfielder and Kane as the center forward.
Regardless of if Tuchel chooses to configure the team like this at the global tournament, what seems encouraging is his preparedness to omit established stars in the interest of team harmony.
