England's star trio are unable to play together - what's the verdict?
With six wins in six games, no goals conceded and World Cup qualification confirmed with matches remaining, national team coach Thomas Tuchel could suggest he has chosen wisely throughout qualification.
Nevertheless, in the lead-up to Thursday's domestic match 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 identical lineup.
"Currently, if we keep the structure, they are unable to feature.
"It's possible but not with current tactics, not maintaining equilibrium that we established and not within the framework that also includes wingers who are highly specialized in their positions. We presently employ with specific numbered positions."
From guaranteed positions to competitive roles
The Manchester City and Real Madrid stars have been utilized out wide for England in the past, but Tuchel's selections indicate that the Barcelona loanee and the Gunners' star are his first choices on the wide areas respectively.
The question remains whether Bellingham, Foden and Kane play together?
Former Three Lions boss evidently thought it possible.
Bellingham, Foden and Kane were selected for each England's seven matches at last summer's tournament in Germany, where Southgate's side were defeated by Spain in the final.
In the 16 games the stars have performed alongside each other, England have triumphed 10 times, drawn three and lost three, scoring 36 times and allowing 14 goals.
Analysis: Foden's versatility gives Tuchel options
Tuchel has played a 4-2-3-1 system that transforms formation when England attack.
The young midfielder has been the main number 10 because of his impressive ball progression, shooting ability and ability to attack the box when the forward retreats.
Tuchel has spoken about preferring specialist wingers. The wide attackers consistently operate in wide areas and can retain the ball skillfully, take their full-back on, and enter the area to finish.
In midfield behind the attackers, Tuchel employs a double pivot consisting of a holding midfielder and another with greater freedom to join the forward movement.
What solutions exist for the trio?
Foden and Bellingham would be battling with attacking alternatives for the creative hub, with Kane likely to start up front.
Foden could operate as the number nine, which potentially could enable both Bellingham and Foden to operate without the captain.
There is one way all three could play in this system and Tuchel alluded to it this week.
"For Man City, he operates similarly to a central or attacking midfielder, so maybe during the next months we regard him as a box-to-box player," he said.
Foden has been utilized as a flexible midfielder this season.
That has enabled him to operate from deeper areas and could position him as the number eight, paired with a defensive anchor.
This would then permit Bellingham to feature as the creative force and Kane as the nine.
Regardless of if Tuchel chooses to configure the team like this at the global tournament, what appears positive is his readiness to exclude star names in the pursuit of tactical equilibrium.