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Having secured six victories out of six, an unbreached defense and World Cup qualification confirmed with matches remaining, national team coach Thomas Tuchel can argue he has made the right selection choices.

However, in the preparation for Thursday's home game against Serbia, he sparked a debate when he claimed that three of the nation's top talents - Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Harry Kane - struggle to perform in the same team.

"Currently, if we stick with the system, they won't fit together.

"It's possible but not with current tactics, not for the balance that we created and not within the framework that comes also with wingers who are highly specialized in their positions. We currently utilize with defensive, central, attacking midfielders and striker."

From guaranteed positions to competitive roles

Foden and Bellingham have been utilized out wide for England in the past, but the manager's choices imply that the Barcelona loanee and the Gunners' star are his preferred options on the left and right flank respectively.

The question remains whether Bellingham, Foden and Kane coexist in the lineup?

Former Three Lions boss certainly thought so.

Bellingham, Foden and Kane featured in every England's seven matches at last summer's tournament in Germany, where Southgate's side lost to Spain in the final.

In the 16 matches the three have featured together, England have won 10, tied three matches and been defeated three times, scoring 36 times 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.

The young midfielder has been the key creative force because of his impressive ball progression, ball-striking and ability to attack the box when the forward retreats.

Tuchel has mentioned preferring natural flank operators. The Arsenal and Newcastle stars regularly feature on the wings and can hold the ball well, engage in one-on-one situations, and enter the area to finish.

In midfield behind the attackers, Tuchel utilizes two central midfielders consisting of a holding midfielder and another with greater freedom to contribute to the attack.

So how could Tuchel use these three players?

Foden and Bellingham would be competing with Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers and Eberechi Eze for the attacking midfield position, with Kane likely to start up front.

Foden could feature as the number nine, which in theory could permit both Bellingham and Foden to feature instead of Kane.

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

"At Manchester City, he functions as a central or attacking midfielder, so maybe during the next months we regard him as a central midfielder," he said.

Foden has been used in a more all-purpose midfield role this season.

That has allowed him to take responsibility deeper and could position him 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.

No matter whether Tuchel decides to set England up like this at the international competition, what appears positive is his willingness to leave big players out in the pursuit of tactical equilibrium.