England's star trio can't operate simultaneously - what's the verdict?
After achieving six consecutive triumphs in six games, an unbreached defense and tournament placement secured with two group games to spare, England manager Thomas Tuchel could suggest he has chosen wisely throughout qualification.
Yet, in the lead-up to Thursday's home game against Serbia, he initiated discussion when he said that three of the England's elite footballers - Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Harry Kane - struggle to perform in the identical lineup.
"Currently, if we keep the structure, they are unable to feature.
"It's possible but not in the structure, not for the balance that we established and not in this formation that also includes wingers who are essentially experts in their positions. We play at the moment with specific numbered positions."
From certain starters to fighting for spots
The Manchester City and Real Madrid stars have been deployed on the flanks for England in the past, but the manager's choices indicate that the Manchester United forward and Bukayo Saka are his preferred options on the wing positions respectively.
But can Bellingham, Foden and Kane operate simultaneously?
Former Three Lions boss certainly thought so.
Bellingham, Foden and Kane featured in every England's seven matches at Euro 2024 in Germany, where Southgate's side were defeated by Spain in the final.
In the 16 games the stars have performed together, England have triumphed 10 times, tied three matches and suffered three losses, registering 36 scores 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.
The Aston Villa player has been the key creative force because of his impressive ball progression, strike quality and ability to attack the box when the number nine withdraws.
Tuchel has mentioned preferring specialist wingers. The wide attackers consistently operate in wide areas and can maintain possession effectively, challenge defenders, and appear in scoring positions.
Behind this front four, Tuchel plays with a midfield two consisting of a disciplined defensive presence and one with more license to join the forward movement.
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 play as the central striker, which theoretically could enable both Bellingham and Foden to feature instead of Kane.
There is an alternative approach all three could coexist effectively and Tuchel suggested it this week.
"At Manchester City, he plays almost like 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 permitted him to contribute from midfield and could categorize him as the advanced playmaker, alongside a holding midfielder.
This would then allow Bellingham to play as the creative force and Kane as the striker.
No matter whether Tuchel opts to structure the side like this at the international competition, what bodes well is his preparedness to omit established stars in the pursuit of tactical equilibrium.
