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With six wins from six matches, zero goals allowed and tournament placement confirmed with matches remaining, Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel could suggest he has made the right selection choices.

However, in the build-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 - cannot play in the identical lineup.

"Currently, if we stick with the system, they are unable to feature.

"They might but not within this system, not for the balance that we created and not within the framework that also includes wingers who are essentially experts in their positions. We play at the moment with a six, eight, a 10 and a nine."

From certain starters to fighting for spots

England's creative talents have been utilized out wide for England in the past, but his team selections indicate that Marcus Rashford and Arsenal's winger are his preferred options on the wide areas respectively.

But can Bellingham, Foden and Kane coexist in the lineup?

Former Three Lions boss evidently thought it possible.

Bellingham, Foden and Kane started all of England's seven fixtures at last summer's tournament in Germany, where the England team were defeated by Spain in the final.

In the 16 fixtures the trio have played together, England have secured 10 victories, drawn three and been defeated three times, registering 36 scores and conceding 14.

Analysis: Foden's versatility gives Tuchel options

Tuchel has employed a four-two-three-one setup that alters structure when England attack.

The young midfielder has been the main number 10 because of his strong ball-carrying, ball-striking and ability to attack the box when the number nine withdraws.

Tuchel has mentioned preferring specialist wingers. Saka and Gordon consistently operate in wide areas and can hold the ball well, 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 competing with Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers and Eberechi Eze for the creative hub, with Kane likely to start up front.

Foden could feature as the main forward, which in theory could allow both Bellingham and Foden to operate without the captain.

There is an alternative approach all three could feature together and Tuchel hinted at it this week.

"With his club, he operates similarly to a number eight or 10, so maybe during the next months we regard him as a box-to-box player," he said.

Foden has been deployed in a versatile central position this season.

That has enabled him to operate from deeper areas and could make him an option as the number eight, paired with a defensive anchor.

This would then allow Bellingham to play as the creative force and Kane as the nine.

Regardless of if Tuchel decides to set England up like this at the global tournament, what bodes well is his preparedness to omit established stars in the name of balance.