Kane, Bellingham and Foden are unable to play together - does the manager have a point?
After achieving six consecutive triumphs from six matches, zero goals allowed and World Cup qualification confirmed with matches remaining, national team coach Thomas Tuchel might claim he has chosen wisely throughout qualification.
Nevertheless, in the preparation for Thursday's home game against Serbia, he sparked a debate when he claimed that three of the nation's top talents - Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Harry Kane - struggle to perform in the same team.
"Currently, if we keep the structure, they are unable to feature.
"They can but not within this system, not preserving harmony that we developed and not within the framework that incorporates wingers who are highly specialized in their positions. We currently utilize with a six, eight, a 10 and a nine."
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 Marcus Rashford and Bukayo Saka are his preferred options on the wing positions respectively.
So can Bellingham, Foden and Kane play together?
Former Three Lions boss certainly thought so.
Bellingham, Foden and Kane were selected for each England's seven matches at last summer's tournament in Germany, where Southgate's side fell to the Spanish in the final.
In the 16 games the three have featured simultaneously, England have won 10, drawn three and suffered three losses, registering 36 scores and allowing 14 goals.
Analysis: Foden's versatility gives Tuchel options
Tuchel has played a 4-2-3-1 system that alters structure when England attack.
Morgan Rogers has been the primary attacking midfielder because of his excellent dribbling, shooting ability and skill in entering the penalty area when the forward retreats.
Tuchel has discussed favoring specialist wingers. The Arsenal and Newcastle stars consistently operate in wide areas and can hold the ball well, take their full-back on, and arrive in the box to score.
Supporting the attacking quartet, Tuchel plays with a midfield two consisting of a holding midfielder and one with more license to contribute to the attack.
Potential configurations for England's stars
Foden and Bellingham would be competing with attacking alternatives for the creative hub, with Kane probably featuring up front.
Foden could feature as the central striker, which potentially could allow both Bellingham and Foden to operate without the captain.
There is one way all three could play in this system and Tuchel suggested 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 permitted him to contribute from midfield and could categorize him as the central midfielder, alongside a holding midfielder.
This would then enable Bellingham to operate as the attacking midfielder and Kane as the nine.
Regardless of if Tuchel opts to structure the side like this at the World Cup, what seems encouraging is his preparedness to omit established stars in the pursuit of tactical equilibrium.
