Three Lions' top talents can't operate simultaneously - what's the verdict?
After achieving six consecutive triumphs from six matches, zero goals allowed and World Cup qualification assured before the final rounds, national team coach Thomas Tuchel might claim he has made the right selection choices.
Yet, in the lead-up to Thursday's domestic match against Serbia, he initiated discussion when he stated that three of the nation's top talents - Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Harry Kane - are unable to feature in the identical lineup.
"Presently, if we keep the structure, they cannot play.
"It's possible but not in the structure, not preserving harmony that we created and not within the framework that incorporates wingers who are highly specialized in their positions. We presently employ with a six, eight, a 10 and a nine."
From guaranteed positions to competitive roles
England's creative talents have been utilized out wide for England in the past, but his team selections indicate that the Manchester United forward and Arsenal's winger are his preferred options on the left and right flank respectively.
But can Bellingham, Foden and Kane operate simultaneously?
The previous England manager apparently believed they could.
Bellingham, Foden and Kane started all of England's seven fixtures at the European Championship in Germany, where Southgate's side were defeated by Spain in the final.
In the 16 fixtures the three have featured alongside each other, England have won 10, shared points three times and suffered three losses, registering 36 scores and allowing 14 goals.
Strategic view: Versatile Foden offers solutions
Tuchel has employed a four-two-three-one setup that alters structure when England attack.
The Aston Villa player has been the primary attacking midfielder because of his strong ball-carrying, strike quality and skill in entering the penalty area when the forward retreats.
Tuchel has spoken about preferring dedicated wide players. Saka and Gordon regularly feature on the wings and can maintain possession effectively, engage in one-on-one situations, and enter the area to finish.
In midfield behind the attackers, Tuchel plays with a midfield two consisting of one defensively strict player and another with greater freedom to support offensive play.
What solutions exist for the trio?
Foden and Bellingham would be battling with attacking alternatives for the attacking midfield position, with Kane expected to lead up front.
Foden could operate as the main forward, which theoretically could allow both Bellingham and Foden to feature instead of Kane.
There is an alternative approach all three could coexist effectively and Tuchel hinted at it this week.
"With his club, he plays almost like a box-to-box or creative role, so maybe during the next months we view him as a central midfielder," he said.
Foden has been used in a more all-purpose midfield role this season.
That has permitted him to contribute from midfield and could categorize him as the advanced playmaker, paired with a defensive anchor.
This would then enable Bellingham to operate as the number 10 and Kane as the center forward.
No matter whether Tuchel opts to structure the side like this at the global tournament, what appears positive is his willingness to leave big players out in the name of balance.
