Here’s a bold statement: England’s star trio—Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane, and Phil Foden—might not be able to start together in the same lineup, and it’s sparking a heated debate among fans and pundits alike. But here’s where it gets controversial: Thomas Tuchel, England’s manager, insists that the current system simply doesn’t allow for all three to coexist on the pitch. Why? It’s all about balance and structure, he says. Let’s break it down.
England has been playing a 4-3-3 formation under Tuchel, with wingers flanking the central striker, Harry Kane. Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka is the go-to choice on the right, while the left side is a toss-up between Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon and Barcelona’s Marcus Rashford. This setup leaves just one spot behind Kane—the coveted number 10 role—and the competition is fierce. And this is the part most people miss: Tuchel sees Bellingham and Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers as direct competitors for that position, while Foden is now viewed more as a hybrid player, blending the roles of a number nine and a number 10.
When asked if Bellingham, Foden, and Kane could share the field, Tuchel was clear: ‘At the moment, if we stick to this structure, it’s not possible.’ He emphasized that the team’s balance and the specialized roles of wingers make it challenging to fit all three into the current system. But don’t count Foden out just yet—Tuchel hinted that he could see Foden transitioning into a midfield role in the coming months, potentially as a hybrid between an eight and a number 10, similar to his role at Manchester City.
The competition for the number 10 spot is intense, with high-profile names like Chelsea’s Cole Palmer (currently injured), Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White, and Arsenal’s Eberechi Eze all in the mix. Tuchel admitted it’s unlikely he’ll take five number 10s to the World Cup, stating, ‘I don’t see how that would benefit us.’ Instead, he’ll prioritize balance and clarity, even if it means making tough decisions.
Here’s the real question: Is Tuchel’s focus on structure and balance the right approach, or should he find a way to accommodate England’s best talents, even if it disrupts the current system? Let’s not forget, England has already qualified for the 2026 World Cup with two games to spare, so now is the time to experiment and fine-tune the squad. Rogers, for instance, has impressed under Tuchel, starting five out of eight games, though a hamstring issue might give Bellingham the nod against Serbia.
As England prepares to host Serbia at Wembley and then travel to Albania, the debate rages on. Can Tuchel find a way to maximize the potential of his star-studded squad, or will some big names be left on the bench? What do you think? Is Tuchel’s structured approach the key to success, or should he take a risk and shake things up? Let us know in the comments—this is one discussion you won’t want to miss!
