Three Lions' top talents are unable to operate simultaneously - what's the verdict?
After achieving six consecutive triumphs from six matches, an unbreached defense and a World Cup spot confirmed with matches remaining, England manager Thomas Tuchel could suggest he has chosen wisely throughout qualification.
Nevertheless, in the preparation for Thursday's domestic match 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 equivalent formation.
"Presently, if we keep the structure, they are unable to feature.
"It's possible but not within this system, not maintaining equilibrium that we established and not in this formation that comes also with wingers who are like specialists in their positions. We currently utilize with defensive, central, attacking midfielders and striker."
From certain starters to fighting for spots
Foden and Bellingham have been deployed on the flanks for England in the past, but Tuchel's selections indicate that the Barcelona loanee and Arsenal's winger are his primary selections on the wing positions respectively.
The question remains whether Bellingham, Foden and Kane operate simultaneously?
Former Three Lions boss evidently thought it possible.
Bellingham, Foden and Kane featured in every England's seven matches at the European Championship in Germany, where the national squad were defeated by Spain in the final.
In the 16 matches the stars have performed simultaneously, England have triumphed 10 times, drawn three and suffered three losses, registering 36 scores and letting in 14 strikes.
Tactical insight: Foden's flexibility provides alternatives
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 excellent dribbling, strike quality and ability to attack the box when the striker drops deep.
Tuchel has mentioned preferring dedicated wide players. The Arsenal and Newcastle stars consistently operate in wide areas and can maintain possession effectively, engage in one-on-one situations, and arrive in the box to score.
Behind this front four, Tuchel employs a double pivot consisting of a disciplined defensive presence and one with more license to support offensive play.
So how could Tuchel use these three players?
Foden and Bellingham would be competing with Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers and Eberechi Eze for the creative hub, with Kane expected to lead up front.
Foden could play as the number nine, which potentially could enable both Bellingham and Foden to operate without the captain.
There is a potential solution all three could coexist effectively and Tuchel alluded to it this week.
"At Manchester City, he functions as a number eight or 10, 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 allowed him to take responsibility deeper and could make him an option as the advanced playmaker, alongside a holding midfielder.
This would then permit Bellingham to feature as the attacking midfielder and Kane as the nine.
Irrespective of whether Tuchel decides to set England up like this at the World Cup, what bodes well is his preparedness to omit established stars in the interest of team harmony.