🔗 Share this article

With six wins out of six, zero goals allowed and a World Cup spot confirmed with matches remaining, England manager Thomas Tuchel could suggest he has chosen wisely throughout qualification.

However, in the preparation for Thursday's Wembley encounter against Serbia, he initiated discussion when he said that three of the nation's top talents - Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Harry Kane - are unable to feature in the identical lineup.

"At the moment, if we keep the structure, they won't fit together.

"They might but not within this system, not preserving harmony that we created and not in this formation that comes also with wingers who are like specialists in their positions. We presently employ with specific numbered positions."

From certain starters to fighting for spots

Foden and Bellingham have been used in wide positions for England in the past, but the manager's choices imply that Marcus Rashford and the Gunners' star are his primary selections on the left and right flank respectively.

But can Bellingham, Foden and Kane play together?

Former Three Lions boss certainly thought so.

Bellingham, Foden and Kane were selected for each England's seven matches at the European Championship in Germany, where the national squad were defeated by Spain in the final.

In the 16 fixtures the stars have performed alongside each other, England have secured 10 victories, drawn three and lost three, registering 36 scores and conceding 14.

Tactical insight: Foden's flexibility provides alternatives

Tuchel has utilized a 4-2-3-1 formation that transforms formation when England attack.

The Aston Villa player has been the key creative force because of his excellent dribbling, ball-striking 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 appear in scoring positions.

In midfield behind the attackers, Tuchel utilizes two central midfielders consisting of a holding midfielder and one with more license to support offensive play.

So how could Tuchel use these three players?

Foden and Bellingham would be battling with Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers and Eberechi Eze for the creative hub, with Kane probably featuring up front.

Foden could operate as the number nine, which in theory could enable both Bellingham and Foden to play at Kane's expense.

There is a potential solution all three could feature together and Tuchel suggested it this week.

"With his club, he plays almost like a central or attacking midfielder, so potentially in future we regard him as a box-to-box player," 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, next to a more defensive number six.

This would then permit Bellingham to feature as the attacking midfielder and Kane as the nine.

No matter whether Tuchel decides to set England up like this at the international competition, what seems encouraging is his willingness to leave big players out in the name of balance.