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With six wins out of six, no goals conceded and a World Cup spot confirmed with matches remaining, Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel can argue he has chosen wisely throughout qualification.

Yet, in the lead-up to Thursday's home game against Serbia, he sparked a debate when he said that three of the nation's top talents - Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Harry Kane - are unable to feature in the identical lineup.

"At the moment, if we keep the structure, they cannot play.

"They can but not within this system, not preserving harmony that we established and not in this formation that incorporates wingers who are essentially experts in their positions. We presently employ with a six, eight, a 10 and a nine."

From guaranteed positions to competitive roles

England's creative talents have been utilized out wide for England in the past, but the manager's choices imply that the Manchester United forward and Arsenal's winger are his first choices on the wide areas respectively.

But can Bellingham, Foden and Kane operate simultaneously?

Gareth Southgate certainly thought so.

Bellingham, Foden and Kane started all of England's seven games at last summer's tournament in Germany, where Southgate's side fell to the Spanish in the final.

In the 16 games the trio have played alongside each other, England have won 10, shared points three times and been defeated three times, netting 36 goals and letting in 14 strikes.

Strategic view: Versatile Foden offers solutions

Tuchel has played a 4-2-3-1 system that changes shape when England attack.

The young midfielder has been the key creative force because of his excellent dribbling, ball-striking and skill in entering the penalty area when the number nine withdraws.

Tuchel has spoken about preferring dedicated wide players. The wide attackers regularly feature on the wings and can maintain possession effectively, challenge defenders, and enter the area to finish.

In midfield behind the attackers, Tuchel plays with a midfield two consisting of a holding midfielder 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 attacking midfield position, with Kane probably featuring up front.

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

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

"For Man City, he plays almost like a number eight or 10, so perhaps in coming 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 make him an option as the number eight, 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 opts to structure the side like this at the World Cup, what bodes well is his willingness to leave big players out in the name of balance.