🔗 Share this article England's star trio can't play together - what's the verdict? Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden have been essential components for England over the recent half-decade Having secured six victories in six games, an unbreached defense and a World Cup spot confirmed with matches remaining, Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel could suggest he has got all of his big qualifying decisions correct. However, in the preparation for Thursday's domestic match against Serbia, he initiated discussion when he claimed that three of the country's best players - Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Harry Kane - are unable to feature in the equivalent formation. "At the moment, if we maintain the formation, they are unable to feature. "They can but not with current tactics, not for the balance that we established and not within the framework that also includes wingers who are like specialists in their positions. We play at the moment with specific numbered positions." From certain starters to fighting for spots Foden and Bellingham have been deployed on the flanks for England in the past, but the manager's choices indicate that the Barcelona loanee and Bukayo Saka are his primary selections on the left and right flank respectively. The question remains whether Bellingham, Foden and Kane operate simultaneously? Former Three Lions boss certainly thought so. Bellingham, Foden and Kane were selected for each England's seven games at the European Championship in Germany, where the national squad lost to Spain in the final. In the 16 fixtures the three have featured simultaneously, England have won 10, shared points three times and lost three, netting 36 goals and letting in 14 strikes. Analysis: Foden's versatility gives Tuchel options Tuchel has employed a four-two-three-one setup that transforms formation when England attack. Morgan Rogers has been the primary attacking midfielder because of his excellent dribbling, shooting ability and ability to attack the box when the number nine withdraws. Tuchel has mentioned preferring dedicated wide players. Saka and Gordon play out wide weekly and can retain the ball skillfully, challenge defenders, and appear in scoring positions. 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 creative hub, with Kane likely to start up front. Foden could feature as the number nine, which potentially could enable both Bellingham and Foden to operate without the captain. There is an alternative approach all three could coexist effectively and Tuchel suggested it this week. "At Manchester City, he functions as a box-to-box or creative role, so maybe during the next months we consider him as a central midfielder," he said. Foden has been utilized as a flexible midfielder this season. That has allowed him to take responsibility deeper and could categorize him 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 chooses to configure the team like this at the global tournament, what seems encouraging is his readiness to exclude star names in the interest of team harmony.