Kane, Bellingham and Foden can't operate simultaneously - is Tuchel right?
With six wins from six matches, no goals conceded and a World Cup spot secured with two group games to spare, England manager Thomas Tuchel can argue he has got all of his big qualifying decisions correct.
However, in the lead-up to Thursday's domestic match against Serbia, he initiated discussion when he claimed that three of the nation's top talents - Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Harry Kane - cannot play in the same team.
"At the moment, if we keep the structure, they cannot play.
"They might but not with current tactics, not maintaining equilibrium that we developed and not for the structure that comes also with wingers who are highly specialized in their positions. We currently utilize with specific numbered positions."
From guaranteed positions to competitive roles
Foden and Bellingham have been deployed on the flanks for England in the past, but Tuchel's selections indicate that the Barcelona loanee and the Gunners' star are his first choices on the left and right flank respectively.
The question remains whether Bellingham, Foden and Kane coexist in the lineup?
Former Three Lions boss evidently thought it possible.
Bellingham, Foden and Kane featured in every England's seven matches at Euro 2024 in Germany, where the England team lost to Spain in the final.
In the 16 fixtures the three have featured simultaneously, England have secured 10 victories, drawn three and suffered three losses, registering 36 scores and conceding 14.
Strategic view: Versatile Foden offers solutions
Tuchel has employed a four-two-three-one setup that transforms formation when England attack.
The Aston Villa player has been the main number 10 because of his strong ball-carrying, shooting ability and capacity to penetrate the area when the striker drops deep.
Tuchel has spoken about preferring specialist wingers. The Arsenal and Newcastle stars regularly feature on the wings and can retain the ball skillfully, engage in one-on-one situations, and appear in scoring positions.
In midfield behind the attackers, 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 competing with other creative midfielders for the attacking midfield position, with Kane probably featuring up front.
Foden could play as the main forward, which potentially could allow both Bellingham and Foden to feature instead of Kane.
There is a potential solution all three could coexist effectively and Tuchel suggested it this week.
"At Manchester City, he plays almost like a central or attacking midfielder, so maybe during the next months we regard him as a number eight," he said.
Foden has been used in a more all-purpose midfield role this season.
That has allowed him to take responsibility deeper and could position him as the central midfielder, next to a more defensive number six.
This would then permit Bellingham to feature as the creative force and Kane as the striker.
No matter whether Tuchel opts to structure the side like this at the World Cup, what seems encouraging is his readiness to exclude star names in the interest of team harmony.
