Three Lions' top talents struggle to play together - does the manager have a point?
Having secured six victories in six games, zero goals allowed and tournament placement assured before the final rounds, England manager Thomas Tuchel can argue he has made the right selection choices.
Nevertheless, in the lead-up to Thursday's home game against Serbia, he sparked a debate when he claimed that three of the country's best players - Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Harry Kane - struggle to perform in the equivalent formation.
"Presently, if we maintain the formation, they cannot play.
"They can but not with current tactics, not for the balance that we developed and not for the structure that incorporates wingers who are like specialists in their positions. We currently utilize with specific numbered positions."
From automatic picks to contested places
The Manchester City and Real Madrid stars have been deployed on the flanks for England in the past, but the manager's choices imply that the Manchester United forward and the Gunners' star are his preferred options on the left and right flank respectively.
But can Bellingham, Foden and Kane play together?
Gareth Southgate certainly thought so.
Bellingham, Foden and Kane were selected for each England's seven games at last summer's tournament in Germany, where the England team fell to the Spanish in the final.
In the 16 games the three have featured together, England have triumphed 10 times, drawn three and been defeated three times, netting 36 goals and letting in 14 strikes.
Analysis: Foden's versatility gives Tuchel options
Tuchel has played a 4-2-3-1 system that transforms formation when England attack.
Morgan Rogers has been the main number 10 because of his strong ball-carrying, shooting ability and ability to attack the box when the striker drops deep.
Tuchel has spoken about preferring dedicated wide players. The Arsenal and Newcastle stars consistently operate in wide areas and can retain the ball skillfully, take their full-back on, and appear in scoring positions.
In midfield behind the attackers, Tuchel plays with a midfield two consisting of a holding midfielder and a partner with attacking liberty to support offensive play.
Potential configurations for England's stars
Foden and Bellingham would be battling with other creative midfielders for the number 10 role, with Kane expected to lead up front.
Foden could feature as the number nine, which potentially could enable both Bellingham and Foden to feature instead of Kane.
There is an alternative approach all three could play in this system and Tuchel suggested it this week.
"For Man City, he operates similarly to a central or attacking midfielder, so maybe during the next months we consider him as a number eight," he said.
Foden has been utilized as a flexible midfielder this season.
That has allowed him to take responsibility deeper and could position him as the advanced playmaker, alongside a holding midfielder.
This would then enable Bellingham to operate as the attacking midfielder and Kane as the striker.
No matter whether Tuchel decides to set England up like this at the global tournament, what appears positive is his readiness to exclude star names in the interest of team harmony.
