England's star trio are unable to fit in the same lineup - is Tuchel right?
With six wins in six games, zero goals allowed and a World Cup spot confirmed with matches remaining, national team coach Thomas Tuchel could suggest he has got all of his big qualifying decisions correct.
However, in the build-up to Thursday's domestic match against Serbia, he raised questions when he said that three of the nation's top talents - Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Harry Kane - struggle to perform in the identical lineup.
"At the moment, if we stick with the system, they cannot play.
"It's possible but not within this system, not preserving harmony that we established and not for the structure that incorporates 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
The Manchester City and Real Madrid stars have been used in wide positions for England in the past, but Tuchel's selections suggest that the Manchester United forward and Bukayo Saka are his preferred options on the wing positions respectively.
The question remains whether 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 lost to Spain in the final.
In the 16 matches the trio have played alongside each other, England have secured 10 victories, tied three matches and suffered three losses, netting 36 goals and conceding 14.
Analysis: Foden's versatility gives Tuchel options
Tuchel has utilized a 4-2-3-1 formation that alters structure when England attack.
Morgan Rogers has been the key creative force because of his strong ball-carrying, shooting ability and skill in entering the penalty area when the forward retreats.
Tuchel has spoken about preferring natural flank operators. Saka and Gordon regularly feature on the wings and can retain the ball skillfully, engage in one-on-one situations, and arrive in the box to score.
Supporting the attacking quartet, Tuchel employs a double pivot consisting of a disciplined defensive presence and a partner with attacking liberty to join the forward movement.
Potential configurations for England's stars
Foden and Bellingham would be vying against other creative midfielders for the attacking midfield position, with Kane expected to lead up front.
Foden could play as the central striker, which potentially 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 operates similarly to a box-to-box or creative role, so maybe during the next months we view him as a number eight," he said.
Foden has been utilized as a flexible midfielder this season.
That has allowed him to take responsibility deeper and could make him an option as the advanced playmaker, paired with a defensive anchor.
This would then permit Bellingham to feature as the number 10 and Kane as the striker.
Regardless of if Tuchel decides to set England up like this at the World Cup, what bodes well is his willingness to leave big players out in the pursuit of tactical equilibrium.