England's star trio can't operate simultaneously - what's the verdict?

England football stars — Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden have been crucial figures for England over the recent half-decade

Having secured six victories in six games, no goals conceded and a World Cup spot assured before the final rounds, national team coach Thomas Tuchel might claim he has got all of his big qualifying decisions correct.

However, in the preparation for Thursday's home game against Serbia, he raised questions when he said that three of the nation's top talents - Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Harry Kane - are unable to feature in the same team.

"Currently, if we keep the structure, they cannot play.

"They might but not with current tactics, not maintaining equilibrium that we established and not in this formation that comes also with wingers who are highly specialized in their positions. We presently employ with specific numbered positions."

From automatic picks to contested places

The Manchester City and Real Madrid stars have been utilized out wide for England in the past, but the manager's choices imply that the Barcelona loanee and Bukayo Saka are his primary selections on the left and right flank respectively.

But can Bellingham, Foden and Kane coexist in the lineup?

Gareth Southgate apparently believed they could.

Bellingham, Foden and Kane started all of England's seven games at Euro 2024 in Germany, where the England team lost to Spain in the final.

In the 16 fixtures the three have featured simultaneously, England have triumphed 10 times, drawn three and suffered three losses, registering 36 scores and allowing 14 goals.

Analysis: Foden's versatility gives Tuchel options

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

The young midfielder has been the key creative force because of his impressive ball progression, strike quality and capacity to penetrate the area when the number nine withdraws.

Tuchel has discussed favoring specialist wingers. The Arsenal and Newcastle stars consistently operate in wide areas and can hold the ball well, engage in one-on-one situations, and enter the area to finish.

In midfield behind the attackers, Tuchel utilizes two central midfielders consisting of one defensively strict player and a partner with attacking liberty 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 expected to lead up front.

Foden could operate as the central striker, which in theory could enable both Bellingham and Foden to operate without the captain.

There is one way all three could feature together and Tuchel suggested it this week.

"At Manchester City, he operates similarly to a box-to-box or creative role, so potentially in future we regard him as a box-to-box player," 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 make him an option as the number eight, paired with a defensive anchor.

This would then allow Bellingham to play as the creative force and Kane as the striker.

Regardless of if Tuchel chooses to configure the team like this at the international competition, what appears positive is his preparedness to omit established stars in the pursuit of tactical equilibrium.

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England's star trio can't operate simultaneously - what's the verdict?

From automatic picks to contested places

Analysis: Foden's versatility gives Tuchel options

So how could Tuchel use these three players?

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