England's star trio can't fit in the same lineup - is Tuchel right?
After achieving six consecutive triumphs in six games, no goals conceded and tournament placement assured before the final rounds, national team coach Thomas Tuchel could suggest he has got all of his big qualifying decisions correct.
However, in the lead-up to Thursday's home game against Serbia, he initiated discussion when he stated that three of the nation's top talents - Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Harry Kane - struggle to perform in the identical lineup.
"Currently, if we stick with the system, they cannot play.
"It's possible but not with current tactics, not maintaining equilibrium that we created and not within the framework that comes also with wingers who are like specialists in their positions. We currently utilize 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 suggest that Marcus Rashford and Arsenal's winger are his primary selections on the wing positions respectively.
The question remains whether Bellingham, Foden and Kane play together?
Gareth Southgate apparently believed they could.
Bellingham, Foden and Kane started all of England's seven fixtures at Euro 2024 in Germany, where the national squad were defeated by Spain in the final.
In the 16 games the stars have performed together, England have secured 10 victories, shared points three times and lost three, registering 36 scores and letting in 14 strikes.
Analysis: Foden's versatility gives Tuchel options
Tuchel has played a 4-2-3-1 system that changes shape when England attack.
The young midfielder has been the key creative force because of his impressive ball progression, shooting ability and capacity to penetrate the area when the number nine withdraws.
Tuchel has mentioned preferring natural flank operators. The wide attackers regularly feature on the wings and can hold the ball well, challenge defenders, and enter the area to finish.
Supporting the attacking quartet, Tuchel plays with a midfield two consisting of one defensively strict player and a partner with attacking liberty to join the forward movement.
So how could Tuchel use these three players?
Foden and Bellingham would be battling with attacking alternatives for the attacking midfield position, with Kane probably featuring up front.
Foden could feature as the number nine, which theoretically could enable both Bellingham and Foden to play at Kane's expense.
There is a potential solution all three could play in this system and Tuchel alluded to it this week.
"For Man City, he plays almost like a central or attacking midfielder, so perhaps in coming months we regard him as a box-to-box player," 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 position him as the number eight, next to a more defensive number six.
This would then allow Bellingham to play as the creative force and Kane as the striker.
No matter whether Tuchel decides to set England up like this at the global tournament, what seems encouraging is his willingness to leave big players out in the interest of team harmony.