Three Lions' top talents can't fit in the same lineup - is Tuchel right?
After achieving six consecutive triumphs from six matches, zero goals allowed and tournament placement assured before the final rounds, England manager Thomas Tuchel can argue he has got all of his big qualifying decisions correct.
Nevertheless, in the build-up to Thursday's home game against Serbia, he sparked a debate when he stated that three of the England's elite footballers - Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Harry Kane - are unable to feature in the identical lineup.
"Presently, if we keep the structure, they are unable to feature.
"They might but not within this system, not for the balance that we developed and not within the framework that also includes wingers who are like specialists in their positions. We currently utilize with specific numbered positions."
From guaranteed positions to competitive roles
England's creative talents have been used in wide positions for England in the past, but his team selections indicate that the Manchester United forward and Bukayo Saka are his preferred options on the left and right flank respectively.
The question remains whether Bellingham, Foden and Kane operate simultaneously?
Former Three Lions boss apparently believed they could.
Bellingham, Foden and Kane were selected for each England's seven fixtures at the European Championship in Germany, where Southgate's side were defeated by Spain in the final.
In the 16 matches the three have featured simultaneously, England have won 10, tied three matches and suffered three losses, scoring 36 times and letting in 14 strikes.
Analysis: Foden's versatility gives Tuchel options
Tuchel has employed a four-two-three-one setup that transforms formation when England attack.
The Aston Villa player has been the key creative force because of his strong ball-carrying, strike quality and ability to attack the box when the forward retreats.
Tuchel has spoken about preferring natural flank operators. Saka and Gordon regularly feature on the wings and can hold the ball well, challenge defenders, and enter the area to finish.
Behind this front four, Tuchel employs a double pivot consisting of a holding midfielder and another with greater freedom to join the forward movement.
What solutions exist for the trio?
Foden and Bellingham would be battling with other creative midfielders for the creative hub, with Kane probably featuring up front.
Foden could feature as the number nine, which in theory could allow both Bellingham and Foden to feature instead of Kane.
There is a potential solution all three could coexist effectively and Tuchel hinted at it this week.
"At Manchester City, he operates similarly to 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 deployed in a versatile central position this season.
That has enabled him to operate from deeper areas and could position him as the advanced playmaker, paired with a defensive anchor.
This would then permit Bellingham to feature as the number 10 and Kane as the nine.
No matter whether Tuchel chooses to configure the team like this at the international competition, what seems encouraging is his willingness to leave big players out in the pursuit of tactical equilibrium.
