🔗 Share this article Three Lions' top talents can't fit in the same lineup - does the manager have a point? Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden have been key players for England over the recent half-decade After achieving six consecutive triumphs from six matches, zero goals allowed and World Cup qualification confirmed with matches remaining, national team coach Thomas Tuchel might claim he has chosen wisely throughout qualification. However, in the lead-up to Thursday's domestic match against Serbia, he sparked a debate when he claimed that three of the country's best players - Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Harry Kane - are unable to feature in the same team. "At the moment, if we keep the structure, they won't fit together. "They can but not within this system, not preserving harmony that we created and not in this formation that also includes wingers who are highly specialized in their positions. We presently employ 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 his team selections indicate that the Barcelona loanee and Arsenal's winger are his first choices on the left and right flank respectively. But can Bellingham, Foden and Kane operate simultaneously? The previous England manager evidently thought it possible. Bellingham, Foden and Kane featured in every England's seven fixtures at the European Championship in Germany, where the national squad lost to Spain in the final. In the 16 matches the trio have played together, England have triumphed 10 times, tied three matches and been defeated three times, netting 36 goals and conceding 14. Analysis: Foden's versatility gives Tuchel options Tuchel has played a 4-2-3-1 system that changes shape when England attack. Morgan Rogers has been the key creative force because of his impressive ball progression, strike quality and capacity to penetrate the area when the striker drops deep. Tuchel has discussed favoring specialist wingers. The Arsenal and Newcastle stars play out wide weekly and can retain the ball skillfully, challenge defenders, and appear in scoring positions. Behind this front four, Tuchel employs a double pivot consisting of a holding midfielder and a partner with attacking liberty to contribute to the attack. Potential configurations for England's stars Foden and Bellingham would be competing with other creative midfielders for the number 10 role, with Kane probably featuring up front. Foden could play as the main forward, which potentially could allow both Bellingham and Foden to play at Kane's expense. There is an alternative approach all three could coexist effectively and Tuchel suggested it this week. "For Man City, he plays almost like a box-to-box or creative role, so potentially in future we regard him as a central midfielder," he said. Foden has been deployed in a versatile central position this season. That has permitted him to contribute from midfield and could position him as the advanced playmaker, paired with a defensive anchor. This would then permit Bellingham to feature as the attacking midfielder and Kane as the center forward. No matter whether Tuchel opts to structure the side like this at the global tournament, what seems encouraging is his willingness to leave big players out in the name of balance.