England's star trio can't fit in the same lineup - does the manager have a point?
With six wins in six games, no goals conceded and a World Cup spot secured with two group games to spare, England manager Thomas Tuchel could suggest he has chosen wisely throughout qualification.
Yet, in the lead-up to Thursday's domestic match against Serbia, he raised questions when he stated that three of the country's best players - Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Harry Kane - are unable to feature in the identical lineup.
"At the moment, if we maintain the formation, they are unable to feature.
"They might but not with current tactics, not maintaining equilibrium that we created and not within the framework that also includes wingers who are like specialists in their positions. We presently employ with specific numbered positions."
From certain starters to fighting for spots
The Manchester City and Real Madrid stars have been deployed on the flanks for England in the past, but his team selections indicate that the Manchester United forward and the Gunners' star are his preferred options on the left and right flank respectively.
So can Bellingham, Foden and Kane operate simultaneously?
Gareth Southgate evidently thought it possible.
Bellingham, Foden and Kane were selected for each England's seven games at the European Championship in Germany, where Southgate's side were defeated by Spain in the final.
In the 16 matches the trio have played together, England have won 10, drawn three and suffered three losses, netting 36 goals and conceding 14.
Strategic view: Versatile Foden offers solutions
Tuchel has played a 4-2-3-1 system that alters structure when England attack.
Morgan Rogers has been the main number 10 because of his excellent dribbling, ball-striking and capacity to penetrate the area when the striker drops deep.
Tuchel has mentioned preferring dedicated wide players. The Arsenal and Newcastle stars consistently operate in wide areas and can maintain possession effectively, take their full-back on, and appear in scoring positions.
In midfield behind the attackers, Tuchel employs a double pivot consisting of a holding midfielder and another with greater freedom to support offensive play.
What solutions exist for the trio?
Foden and Bellingham would be vying against Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers and Eberechi Eze for the creative hub, with Kane probably featuring up front.
Foden could feature as the number nine, which potentially could enable both Bellingham and Foden to feature instead of Kane.
There is a potential solution all three could play in this system and Tuchel suggested it this week.
"For Man City, he operates similarly to a central or attacking midfielder, so maybe during the next months we view him as a number eight," he said.
Foden has been deployed in a versatile central position this season.
That has allowed him to take responsibility deeper and could make him an option as the number eight, alongside a holding midfielder.
This would then allow Bellingham to play as the creative force and Kane as the striker.
No matter whether Tuchel opts to structure the side like this at the global tournament, what bodes well is his readiness to exclude star names in the name of balance.
