England's star trio can't play together - is Tuchel right?
After achieving six consecutive triumphs in six games, no goals conceded and a World Cup spot assured before the final rounds, Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel might claim he has got all of his big qualifying decisions correct.
However, in the build-up to Thursday's domestic match against Serbia, he initiated discussion when he said that three of the country's best players - Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Harry Kane - struggle to perform in the identical lineup.
"Currently, if we maintain the formation, they are unable to feature.
"They can but not within this system, not maintaining equilibrium that we established and not within the framework that comes also with wingers who are like specialists in their positions. We currently utilize with specific numbered positions."
From guaranteed positions to competitive roles
The Manchester City and Real Madrid stars have been deployed on the flanks for England in the past, but the manager's choices suggest that the Barcelona loanee and Arsenal's winger are his preferred options on the wide areas respectively.
But can Bellingham, Foden and Kane coexist in the lineup?
Gareth Southgate certainly thought so.
Bellingham, Foden and Kane featured in every England's seven games at the European Championship in Germany, where the England team were defeated by Spain in the final.
In the 16 matches the trio have played together, England have won 10, drawn three and lost three, scoring 36 times 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 primary attacking midfielder because of his strong ball-carrying, ball-striking and skill in entering the penalty area when the striker drops deep.
Tuchel has discussed favoring dedicated wide players. The Arsenal and Newcastle stars play out wide weekly and can maintain possession effectively, engage in one-on-one situations, and enter the area to finish.
In midfield behind the attackers, Tuchel employs a double pivot 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 other creative midfielders for the number 10 role, with Kane expected to lead up front.
Foden could feature as the number nine, which in theory could allow both Bellingham and Foden to operate without the captain.
There is one way all three could feature together and Tuchel suggested it this week.
"At Manchester City, he functions as a box-to-box or creative role, so potentially in future we view him as a central midfielder," he said.
Foden has been deployed in a versatile central position this season.
That has allowed him to take responsibility deeper and could position him as the advanced playmaker, paired with a defensive anchor.
This would then allow Bellingham to play as the number 10 and Kane as the center forward.
Irrespective of whether Tuchel decides to set England up like this at the global tournament, what seems encouraging is his readiness to exclude star names in the name of balance.
