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Having secured six victories in six games, no goals conceded and World Cup qualification assured before the final rounds, national team coach Thomas Tuchel can argue he has chosen wisely throughout qualification.

Nevertheless, 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 - cannot play in the identical lineup.

"Currently, if we maintain the formation, they cannot play.

"It's possible but not within this system, not preserving harmony that we developed and not within the framework that also includes wingers who are like specialists in their positions. We currently utilize with a six, eight, a 10 and a nine."

From guaranteed positions to competitive roles

Foden and Bellingham have been utilized out wide for England in the past, but Tuchel's selections imply that Marcus Rashford and Arsenal's winger are his preferred options on the left and right flank respectively.

But can Bellingham, Foden and Kane play together?

Former Three Lions boss apparently believed they could.

Bellingham, Foden and Kane featured in every England's seven games at the European Championship in Germany, where the national squad lost to Spain in the final.

In the 16 games the trio have played simultaneously, England have triumphed 10 times, tied three matches and been defeated three times, registering 36 scores and letting in 14 strikes.

Analysis: Foden's versatility gives Tuchel options

Tuchel has employed a four-two-three-one setup that alters structure when England attack.

The young midfielder has been the primary attacking midfielder because of his excellent dribbling, strike quality and ability to attack the box when the striker drops deep.

Tuchel has spoken about preferring dedicated wide players. The Arsenal and Newcastle stars regularly feature on the wings and can hold the ball well, challenge defenders, and appear in scoring positions.

Behind this front four, Tuchel utilizes two central midfielders consisting of a holding midfielder and a partner with attacking liberty to contribute to the attack.

What solutions exist for the trio?

Foden and Bellingham would be battling with Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers and Eberechi Eze for the attacking midfield position, with Kane probably featuring up front.

Foden could operate as the number nine, which potentially could permit both Bellingham and Foden to operate without the captain.

There is an alternative approach 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 view him as a number eight," 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 advanced playmaker, next to a more defensive number six.

This would then allow Bellingham to play as the attacking midfielder and Kane as the striker.

Irrespective of whether Tuchel decides to set England up like this at the global tournament, what bodes well is his preparedness to omit established stars in the name of balance.