England manager Thomas Tuchel has delivered a stark message regarding his star-studded attack, declaring that Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden cannot feature together within his preferred tactical framework.
Speaking ahead of Thursday's Serbia encounter, Tuchel stated unequivocally: "At the moment, if we keep the structure, they cannot play."
The German tactician emphasised his commitment to maintaining the 4-2-3-1 formation that has brought balance to the national side.
He said: "They can, but not in the structure.
Thomas Tuchel revealed he cannot find a way to play Harry Kane, Phil Foden and Jude Bellingham together
|REUTERS
"Not for the balance that we developed, and not for structure that comes also with wingers who are like specialists in their positions."
His system employs a holding midfielder, a box-to-box player, an attacking midfielder and a striker - leaving no room for accommodating all three talents simultaneously.
The battle for England's playmaker role has intensified, with five exceptional talents competing for limited places.
Bellingham and Morgan Rogers are locked in direct competition for the number 10 position, whilst Foden's versatility allows him to challenge for both the attacking midfield and striker roles.
Cole Palmer and Morgan Gibbs-White add further depth to Tuchel's selection headache.
Jude Bellingham is Thomas Tuchel's No. 10, competing with Phil Foden
| GETTYThe England manager has rejected the notion of shoehorning stars into unfamiliar positions simply to accommodate reputations.
"Rather than finding a position for the best players to have them on the field, it is maybe better to put everyone in their best position and have a competition," Tuchel explained during his press conference.
This philosophy marks a departure from previous regimes, with the German prioritising tactical coherence over star power.
The England boss has issued a clear warning that sentiment will play no part in his World Cup squad selection.
"We will always do what's best for the team, we will always do what's best for winning," Tuchel told talkSPORT.
He acknowledged the difficult choices ahead, particularly regarding the abundance of attacking midfielders.
Harry Kane is set to lead England's line next year at the World Cup
| PA"I see a very, very low percentage that we take five number 10s into a tournament. I don't see how this will help us," he stated.
The German's ruthless approach extends beyond this international window.
"We take tough decisions in any camp, and this will not change when we go to a tournament," he warned.
His commitment to tactical balance over individual merit signals a pragmatic approach as England prepare for their North American campaign next summer.
Thomas Tuchel has admitted that he has some hard selection decisions to make
| PAFoden's adaptability has emerged as a crucial asset in this competitive landscape.
The Manchester City star's ability to operate as both a false nine and attacking midfielder provides Tuchel with tactical flexibility.
"I think he can play the nine, he can play the 10. It gives him, first of all, an advantage to compete for both positions," Tuchel added.
The England manager revealed that Foden has embraced his new hybrid role.
"He likes it, he also has no choice," Tuchel joked. "I think he loves to be close to goal. I think he loves to be in the middle of the pitch, so I think it suits him good."
This positional fluidity could prove decisive as Tuchel finalises his World Cup plans in the coming months.