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With six wins from six matches, zero goals allowed and a World Cup spot assured before the final rounds, England manager Thomas Tuchel might claim he has chosen wisely throughout qualification.

However, in the lead-up to Thursday's domestic match against Serbia, he raised questions when he claimed that three of the England's elite footballers - Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Harry Kane - are unable to feature in the same team.

"Presently, 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 incorporates wingers who are like specialists in their positions. We play at the moment with a six, eight, a 10 and a nine."

From certain starters to fighting for spots

The Manchester City and Real Madrid stars have been used in wide positions for England in the past, but the manager's choices suggest that the Manchester United forward and the Gunners' star are his first choices on the left and right flank respectively.

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

Gareth Southgate apparently believed they could.

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

In the 16 matches the three have featured simultaneously, England have secured 10 victories, tied three matches and lost three, scoring 36 times and allowing 14 goals.

Analysis: Foden's versatility gives Tuchel options

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

The Aston Villa player has been the key creative force because of his excellent dribbling, shooting ability and ability to attack the box when the forward retreats.

Tuchel has mentioned preferring natural flank operators. Saka and Gordon regularly feature on the wings and can hold the ball well, engage in one-on-one situations, 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 vying against other creative midfielders for the number 10 role, with Kane likely to start up front.

Foden could feature as the central striker, which potentially could allow both Bellingham and Foden to feature instead of Kane.

There is a potential solution all three could feature together and Tuchel hinted at it this week.

"With his club, he plays almost like a number eight or 10, so potentially in future we consider him as a central midfielder," he said.

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

That has enabled him to operate from deeper areas and could position him as the central midfielder, alongside a holding midfielder.

This would then allow Bellingham to play as the attacking midfielder and Kane as the striker.

No matter whether Tuchel opts to structure the side like this at the international competition, what seems encouraging is his willingness to leave big players out in the interest of team harmony.