Kane, Bellingham and Foden are unable to play together - does the manager have a point?
Having secured six victories in six games, zero goals allowed and tournament placement assured before the final rounds, England manager Thomas Tuchel could suggest he has chosen wisely throughout qualification.
Nevertheless, in the preparation for Thursday's Wembley encounter against Serbia, he sparked a debate when he stated that three of the England's elite footballers - Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Harry Kane - cannot play in the same team.
"Presently, if we keep the structure, they are unable to feature.
"It's possible but not within this system, not maintaining equilibrium that we developed and not within the framework that comes also with wingers who are like specialists in their positions. We presently employ with defensive, central, attacking midfielders and striker."
From automatic picks to contested places
The Manchester City and Real Madrid stars have been utilized out wide for England in the past, but Tuchel's selections suggest that the Manchester United forward and Bukayo Saka are his first choices on the left and right flank respectively.
So can 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 games at last summer's tournament in Germany, where Southgate's side fell to the Spanish in the final.
In the 16 matches the stars have performed simultaneously, England have secured 10 victories, tied three matches and suffered three losses, netting 36 goals and allowing 14 goals.
Analysis: Foden's versatility gives Tuchel options
Tuchel has employed a four-two-three-one setup that transforms formation when England attack.
The Aston Villa player has been the key creative force because of his impressive ball progression, shooting ability and capacity to penetrate the area when the number nine withdraws.
Tuchel has mentioned preferring natural flank operators. Saka and Gordon consistently operate in wide areas and can retain the ball skillfully, challenge defenders, and enter the area to finish.
In midfield behind the attackers, Tuchel utilizes two central midfielders consisting of a holding midfielder and a partner with attacking liberty to join the forward movement.
What solutions exist for the trio?
Foden and Bellingham would be battling with attacking alternatives for the number 10 role, with Kane expected to lead up front.
Foden could feature as the central striker, which theoretically could permit both Bellingham and Foden to feature instead of Kane.
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 consider him as a box-to-box player," he said.
Foden has been deployed in a versatile central position this season.
That has permitted him to contribute from midfield and could position him as the advanced playmaker, next to a more defensive number six.
This would then permit Bellingham to feature as the creative force and Kane as the nine.
Irrespective of whether Tuchel opts to structure the side like this at the international competition, what seems encouraging is his preparedness to omit established stars in the interest of team harmony.