Three Lions' top talents can't operate simultaneously - is Tuchel right?
Having secured six victories in six games, zero goals allowed and tournament placement confirmed with matches remaining, Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel might claim he has chosen wisely throughout qualification.
However, in the build-up to Thursday's domestic match against Serbia, he raised questions when he stated that three of the country's best players - Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Harry Kane - cannot play in the same team.
"Currently, if we stick with the system, they won't fit together.
"They can but not within this system, not for the balance that we established and not within the framework that also includes wingers who are highly specialized in their positions. We currently utilize with specific numbered positions."
From automatic picks to contested places
England's creative talents have been utilized out wide for England in the past, but Tuchel's selections indicate that Marcus Rashford and Bukayo Saka are his primary selections on the wing positions respectively.
The question remains whether Bellingham, Foden and Kane play together?
Gareth Southgate evidently thought it possible.
Bellingham, Foden and Kane started all of England's seven matches at last summer's tournament in Germany, where the England team were defeated by Spain in the final.
In the 16 matches the trio have played together, England have won 10, drawn three and suffered three losses, netting 36 goals and conceding 14.
Strategic view: Versatile Foden offers solutions
Tuchel has employed a four-two-three-one setup that changes shape when England attack.
The young midfielder has been the primary attacking midfielder because of his strong ball-carrying, strike quality and skill in entering the penalty area when the number nine withdraws.
Tuchel has mentioned preferring dedicated wide players. The wide attackers play out wide weekly and can hold the ball well, take their full-back on, and arrive in the box to score.
Supporting the attacking quartet, Tuchel employs a double pivot consisting of one defensively strict player and a partner with attacking liberty to contribute to the attack.
Potential configurations for England's stars
Foden and Bellingham would be competing with attacking alternatives for the creative hub, with Kane likely to start up front.
Foden could play as the number nine, which potentially could allow both Bellingham and Foden to operate without the captain.
There is a potential solution all three could play in this system and Tuchel suggested it this week.
"For Man City, he functions as a central or attacking midfielder, so potentially in future we view him as a central midfielder," he said.
Foden has been used in a more all-purpose midfield role this season.
That has enabled him to operate from deeper areas and could categorize him as the number eight, paired with a defensive anchor.
This would then enable Bellingham to operate as the creative force and Kane as the center forward.
Regardless of if Tuchel chooses to configure the team like this at the international competition, what appears positive is his willingness to leave big players out in the pursuit of tactical equilibrium.