Kane, Bellingham and Foden can't play together - what's the verdict?
With six wins from six matches, an unbreached defense and World Cup qualification confirmed with matches remaining, England manager Thomas Tuchel might claim he has chosen wisely throughout qualification.
However, in the lead-up to Thursday's Wembley encounter against Serbia, he raised questions when he said that three of the nation's top talents - Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Harry Kane - are unable to feature in the equivalent formation.
"Presently, if we maintain the formation, they cannot play.
"They might but not with current tactics, not for the balance that we established and not for the structure that incorporates wingers who are essentially experts in their positions. We currently utilize with a six, eight, a 10 and a nine."
From certain starters to fighting for spots
Foden and Bellingham have been utilized out wide for England in the past, but his team selections imply that Marcus Rashford and Arsenal's winger are his first choices on the wing positions respectively.
So can Bellingham, Foden and Kane play together?
Gareth Southgate evidently thought it possible.
Bellingham, Foden and Kane featured in every England's seven games at the European Championship in Germany, where the England team lost to Spain in the final.
In the 16 games the stars have performed together, England have secured 10 victories, shared points three times and been defeated three times, scoring 36 times and conceding 14.
Strategic view: Versatile Foden offers solutions
Tuchel has utilized a 4-2-3-1 formation that alters structure 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 striker drops deep.
Tuchel has spoken about preferring natural flank operators. Saka and Gordon play out wide weekly and can maintain possession effectively, 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 one with more license to contribute to the attack.
So how could Tuchel use these three players?
Foden and Bellingham would be vying against Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers and Eberechi Eze for the attacking midfield position, with Kane probably featuring up front.
Foden could feature as the central striker, which potentially could permit both Bellingham and Foden to operate without the captain.
There is one way all three could coexist effectively and Tuchel suggested it this week.
"For Man City, he plays almost like a central or attacking midfielder, so perhaps in coming months we view him as a number eight," he said.
Foden has been utilized as a flexible midfielder 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 enable Bellingham to operate as the number 10 and Kane as the center forward.
Regardless of if Tuchel decides to set England up like this at the global tournament, what seems encouraging is his preparedness to omit established stars in the name of balance.