Three Lions' top talents are unable to fit in the same lineup - does the manager have a point?
After achieving six consecutive triumphs from six matches, an unbreached defense and tournament placement secured with two group games to spare, Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel could suggest he has chosen wisely throughout qualification.
Yet, in the preparation for Thursday's home game against Serbia, he raised questions when he said that three of the country's best players - Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Harry Kane - are unable to feature in the identical lineup.
"Presently, if we stick with the system, they won't fit together.
"They might but not in the structure, not maintaining equilibrium that we developed and not in this formation that comes also with wingers who are essentially experts 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 his team selections indicate that the Manchester United forward and Arsenal's winger are his first choices on the left and right flank respectively.
So 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 national squad were defeated by Spain in the final.
In the 16 fixtures the three have featured simultaneously, England have won 10, drawn three and been defeated three times, netting 36 goals and allowing 14 goals.
Tactical insight: Foden's flexibility provides alternatives
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 capacity to penetrate the area when the number nine withdraws.
Tuchel has spoken about preferring specialist wingers. The wide attackers regularly feature on the wings and can hold the ball well, challenge defenders, and enter the area to finish.
In midfield behind the attackers, Tuchel utilizes two central midfielders consisting of one defensively strict player and one with more license to join the forward movement.
Potential configurations for England's stars
Foden and Bellingham would be vying against Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers and Eberechi Eze for the creative hub, with Kane likely to start up front.
Foden could operate as the number nine, which in theory could permit both Bellingham and Foden to feature instead of Kane.
There is a potential solution all three could feature together and Tuchel suggested it this week.
"For Man City, he plays almost like a number eight or 10, so potentially in future we consider him as a number eight," he said.
Foden has been used in a more all-purpose midfield role this season.
That has allowed him to take responsibility deeper and could make him an option as the advanced playmaker, alongside a holding midfielder.
This would then permit Bellingham to feature as the attacking midfielder and Kane as the striker.
Regardless of if Tuchel decides to set England up like this at the international competition, what appears positive is his preparedness to omit established stars in the name of balance.
