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With six wins in six games, no goals conceded and World Cup qualification confirmed with matches remaining, Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel could suggest he has chosen wisely throughout qualification.

However, in the lead-up to Thursday's home game against Serbia, he initiated discussion when he said that three of the country's best players - Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Harry Kane - cannot play in the identical lineup.

"At the moment, if we maintain the formation, they won't fit together.

"It's possible but not within this system, not maintaining equilibrium that we established and not for the structure that comes also with wingers who are highly specialized in their positions. We play at the moment with defensive, central, attacking midfielders and striker."

From guaranteed positions to competitive roles

Foden and Bellingham have been deployed on the flanks for England in the past, but Tuchel's selections suggest that Marcus Rashford and Arsenal's winger are his preferred options on the wide areas respectively.

But can Bellingham, Foden and Kane operate simultaneously?

Former Three Lions boss evidently thought it possible.

Bellingham, Foden and Kane started all of England's seven fixtures at Euro 2024 in Germany, where Southgate's side were defeated by Spain in the final.

In the 16 matches the stars have performed alongside each other, England have won 10, tied three matches and suffered three losses, netting 36 goals and letting in 14 strikes.

Analysis: Foden's versatility gives Tuchel options

Tuchel has employed a four-two-three-one setup that changes shape when England attack.

Morgan Rogers has been the key creative force because of his excellent dribbling, shooting ability and ability to attack the box when the number nine withdraws.

Tuchel has mentioned preferring natural flank operators. The wide attackers regularly feature on the wings and can retain the ball skillfully, challenge defenders, and enter the area to finish.

In midfield behind the attackers, Tuchel plays with a midfield two consisting of a disciplined defensive presence and one with more license to contribute to the attack.

Potential configurations for England's stars

Foden and Bellingham would be competing with attacking alternatives for the creative hub, with Kane probably featuring up front.

Foden could play as the central striker, which in theory could permit both Bellingham and Foden to operate without the captain.

There is an alternative approach all three could play in this system and Tuchel hinted at it this week.

"At Manchester City, he operates similarly to a box-to-box or creative role, so perhaps in coming months we consider him as a number eight," 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 central midfielder, paired with a defensive anchor.

This would then enable Bellingham to operate as the creative force and Kane as the center forward.

No matter whether Tuchel chooses to configure the team like this at the global tournament, what seems encouraging is his readiness to exclude star names in the pursuit of tactical equilibrium.