Kane, Bellingham and Foden are unable to operate simultaneously - is Tuchel right?
Having secured six victories out of six, zero goals allowed and World Cup qualification confirmed with matches remaining, national team coach Thomas Tuchel can argue he has got all of his big qualifying decisions correct.
Nevertheless, in the build-up to Thursday's domestic match against Serbia, he sparked a debate when he claimed that three of the England's elite footballers - Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Harry Kane - are unable to feature in the same team.
"At the moment, if we keep the structure, they cannot play.
"It's possible but not with current tactics, not maintaining equilibrium that we created and not in this formation that also includes wingers who are highly specialized in their positions. We currently utilize with specific numbered positions."
From certain starters to fighting for spots
England's creative talents have been used in wide positions for England in the past, but Tuchel's selections indicate that the Manchester United forward and Bukayo Saka are his first choices on the wide areas respectively.
The question remains whether Bellingham, Foden and Kane coexist in the lineup?
Gareth Southgate evidently thought it possible.
Bellingham, Foden and Kane featured in every England's seven games at the European Championship in Germany, where Southgate's side were defeated by Spain in the final.
In the 16 matches the three have featured simultaneously, England have triumphed 10 times, tied three matches and lost three, netting 36 goals and allowing 14 goals.
Tactical insight: Foden's flexibility provides alternatives
Tuchel has played a 4-2-3-1 system that changes shape 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 striker drops deep.
Tuchel has discussed favoring natural flank operators. The wide attackers play out wide weekly 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 one defensively strict player and one with more license to support offensive play.
What solutions exist for the trio?
Foden and Bellingham would be competing with other creative midfielders for the attacking midfield position, with Kane probably featuring up front.
Foden could operate as the number nine, which theoretically 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.
"With his club, he plays almost like a box-to-box or creative role, so potentially in future we consider 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 make him an option as the advanced playmaker, next to a more defensive number six.
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 global tournament, what seems encouraging is his preparedness to omit established stars in the pursuit of tactical equilibrium.