Three Lions' top talents are unable to operate simultaneously - does the manager have a point?
Having secured six victories in six games, zero goals allowed and a World Cup spot assured before the final rounds, national team coach Thomas Tuchel might claim he has chosen wisely throughout qualification.
Nevertheless, in the lead-up to Thursday's home game against Serbia, he initiated discussion when he claimed that three of the country's best players - Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Harry Kane - struggle to perform in the same team.
"Presently, if we keep the structure, they cannot play.
"They can but not within this system, not for the balance that we established and not in this formation that incorporates wingers who are highly specialized in their positions. We play at the moment 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 the manager's choices suggest that the Manchester United forward and Bukayo Saka are his first choices on the wing positions respectively.
But can Bellingham, Foden and Kane operate simultaneously?
The previous England manager apparently believed they could.
Bellingham, Foden and Kane featured in every England's seven fixtures at Euro 2024 in Germany, where the England team were defeated by Spain in the final.
In the 16 games the three have featured together, England have won 10, tied three matches and suffered three losses, netting 36 goals and letting in 14 strikes.
Strategic view: Versatile Foden offers solutions
Tuchel has played a 4-2-3-1 system that changes shape when England attack.
Morgan Rogers has been the key creative force because of his excellent dribbling, strike quality and ability to attack the box when the forward retreats.
Tuchel has spoken about preferring natural flank operators. The Arsenal and Newcastle stars regularly feature on the wings and can maintain possession effectively, challenge defenders, and arrive in the box to score.
In midfield behind the attackers, Tuchel plays with a midfield two consisting of a disciplined defensive presence and one with more license to contribute to the attack.
Potential configurations for England's stars
Foden and Bellingham would be battling with other creative midfielders for the attacking midfield position, with Kane expected to lead up front.
Foden could play as the main forward, which in theory could permit both Bellingham and Foden to play at Kane's expense.
There is a potential solution all three could coexist effectively and Tuchel hinted at it this week.
"For Man City, he plays almost like a box-to-box or creative role, so perhaps in coming months we regard him as a box-to-box player," he said.
Foden has been deployed in a versatile central position this season.
That has permitted him to contribute from midfield and could make him an option as the number eight, alongside a holding midfielder.
This would then enable Bellingham to operate 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 appears positive is his willingness to leave big players out in the name of balance.