🔗 Share this article Kane, Bellingham and Foden struggle to fit in the same lineup - does the manager have a point? Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden have been essential components for England over the last five seasons Having secured six victories from six matches, an unbreached defense and tournament placement confirmed with matches remaining, national team coach Thomas Tuchel might claim he has got all of his big qualifying decisions correct. Nevertheless, in the lead-up to Thursday's home game against Serbia, he initiated discussion when he claimed that three of the country's best players - Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Harry Kane - struggle to perform in the equivalent formation. "Currently, if we keep the structure, they are unable to feature. "It's possible but not in the structure, not maintaining equilibrium that we created and not in this formation that incorporates 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 deployed on the flanks for England in the past, but his team selections indicate that the Manchester United forward and the Gunners' star are his preferred options on the left and right flank respectively. So can Bellingham, Foden and Kane coexist in the lineup? The previous England manager apparently believed they could. Bellingham, Foden and Kane started all of England's seven fixtures at Euro 2024 in Germany, where Southgate's side lost to Spain in the final. In the 16 matches the stars have performed alongside each other, England have triumphed 10 times, drawn three and suffered three losses, scoring 36 times and allowing 14 goals. Strategic view: Versatile Foden offers solutions Tuchel has played a 4-2-3-1 system that changes shape when England attack. The Aston Villa player has been the primary attacking midfielder because of his impressive ball progression, shooting ability and ability to attack the box when the striker drops deep. 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. Behind this front four, Tuchel utilizes two central midfielders consisting of a disciplined defensive presence and a partner with attacking liberty 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 creative hub, with Kane expected to lead up front. Foden could feature as the number nine, which theoretically could permit both Bellingham and Foden to operate without the captain. There is a potential solution all three could play in this system and Tuchel suggested it this week. "For Man City, he functions as a number eight or 10, so perhaps in coming months we view him as a central midfielder," he said. Foden has been used in a more all-purpose midfield role this season. That has permitted him to contribute from midfield and could categorize him as the number eight, paired with a defensive anchor. This would then permit Bellingham to feature as the number 10 and Kane as the striker. Regardless of if Tuchel chooses to configure the team like this at the global tournament, what appears positive is his willingness to leave big players out in the name of balance.