Three Lions' top talents can't operate simultaneously - does the manager have a point?
After achieving six consecutive triumphs in six games, an unbreached defense and tournament placement confirmed with matches remaining, Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel might claim he has chosen wisely throughout qualification.
Nevertheless, in the build-up to Thursday's domestic match against Serbia, he initiated discussion when he said that three of the nation's top talents - Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Harry Kane - are unable to feature in the identical lineup.
"At the moment, if we stick with the system, they are unable to feature.
"They might but not in the structure, not for the balance that we established and not within the framework that also includes wingers who are highly specialized in their positions. We play at the moment with defensive, central, attacking midfielders and striker."
From certain starters to fighting for spots
Foden and Bellingham have been utilized out wide for England in the past, but the manager's choices 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 play together?
The previous England manager evidently thought it possible.
Bellingham, Foden and Kane were selected for each England's seven matches at the European Championship in Germany, where the England team lost to Spain in the final.
In the 16 fixtures the three have featured simultaneously, England have won 10, tied three matches and lost three, registering 36 scores and letting in 14 strikes.
Analysis: Foden's versatility gives Tuchel options
Tuchel has utilized a 4-2-3-1 formation 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 skill in entering the penalty area when the striker drops deep.
Tuchel has discussed favoring specialist wingers. The Arsenal and Newcastle stars play out wide weekly and can retain the ball skillfully, engage in one-on-one situations, and appear in scoring positions.
Supporting the attacking quartet, Tuchel utilizes two central midfielders consisting of a holding midfielder and one with more license to support offensive play.
Potential configurations for England's stars
Foden and Bellingham would be vying against Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers and Eberechi Eze for the creative hub, with Kane likely to start up front.
Foden could operate as the number nine, which potentially could permit both Bellingham and Foden to operate without the captain.
There is an alternative approach all three could coexist effectively and Tuchel hinted at it this week.
"For Man City, he plays almost like a box-to-box or creative role, so perhaps in coming months we consider him as a central midfielder," he said.
Foden has been utilized as a flexible midfielder this season.
That has enabled him to operate from deeper areas and could position him as the advanced playmaker, next to a more defensive number six.
This would then permit Bellingham to feature as the attacking midfielder and Kane as the striker.
Regardless of if Tuchel decides to set England up like this at the World Cup, what seems encouraging is his willingness to leave big players out in the name of balance.