England's star trio can't play together - does the manager have a point?
After achieving six consecutive triumphs in six games, an unbreached defense and World Cup qualification confirmed with matches remaining, national team coach Thomas Tuchel could suggest he has got all of his big qualifying decisions correct.
However, in the lead-up to Thursday's Wembley encounter against Serbia, he initiated discussion when he said that three of the England's elite footballers - Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Harry Kane - are unable to feature in the identical lineup.
"Currently, if we maintain the formation, they cannot play.
"They might but not in the structure, not for the balance that we developed and not within the framework that also includes wingers who are essentially experts in their positions. We presently employ with specific numbered positions."
From guaranteed positions to competitive roles
The Manchester City and Real Madrid stars have been used in wide positions for England in the past, but his team selections imply that Marcus Rashford and Arsenal's winger are his first choices on the wing positions respectively.
So can Bellingham, Foden and Kane play together?
Former Three Lions boss apparently believed they could.
Bellingham, Foden and Kane featured in every England's seven matches at last summer's tournament in Germany, where the national squad lost to Spain in the final.
In the 16 matches the stars have performed alongside each other, England have won 10, drawn three and lost three, netting 36 goals and letting in 14 strikes.
Analysis: Foden's versatility gives Tuchel options
Tuchel has played a 4-2-3-1 system that changes shape when England attack.
The Aston Villa player has been the main number 10 because of his excellent dribbling, shooting ability and ability to attack the box when the number nine withdraws.
Tuchel has discussed favoring natural flank operators. Saka and Gordon play out wide weekly and can maintain possession effectively, challenge defenders, and appear in scoring positions.
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.
What solutions exist for the trio?
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 play as the main forward, which theoretically could allow both Bellingham and Foden to operate without the captain.
There is an alternative approach all three could feature together and Tuchel hinted at it this week.
"At Manchester City, he operates similarly to a number eight or 10, so maybe during the next months we regard him as a central midfielder," he said.
Foden has been used in a more all-purpose midfield role this season.
That has permitted him to contribute from midfield and could make him an option as the advanced playmaker, alongside a holding midfielder.
This would then allow Bellingham to play as the attacking midfielder and Kane as the center forward.
No matter whether Tuchel opts to structure the side like this at the international competition, what appears positive is his preparedness to omit established stars in the pursuit of tactical equilibrium.
