Thomas Tuchel, England's head coach, stirred debate by confirming that the trio Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, and Phil Foden cannot all play together in the same XI, arguing that maintaining balance is more important than cramming every star on the pitch at once.
Speaking to TalkSport after his press conference on Wednesday, he said he would not change his plans just to accommodate big-name players, insisting he will rely on players in their natural positions and will not take five players who excel as number 10s to the World Cup.
He added that England has plenty of talent in that position and will have to make hard decisions by leaving one or more of Bellingham, Morgan Gibbs-White, Foden, Cole Palmer, and Eberechi Eze out of the squad.
Hard Decisions
"If we keep our current structure, they cannot play together," Tuchel said. "They can, but not in the formation we have built, because the balance would be affected, especially with wingers specialized in their roles."
He noted the current setup relies on a six (pivot), an eight (box-to-box), a number ten, and a traditional striker (nine).
There is notable overlap at the number ten with Foden, Bellingham, Morgan Gibbs-White, Palmer, and Eze, making it hard to pick everyone at once.
Tuchel stressed his decisions are not about personal preferences or who is liked more; they are about what's best for the team and the balance required to win. Sometimes, the choices are tough, but necessary for the greater good.
What Do the Numbers Say?
Sky Sports statistics show that since November 15, 2021, England have played 16 matches with Kane, Bellingham, and Foden starting together, winning 9, drawing 4, and losing 3.
Goals per game averaged 2.3, while conceded goals stood at 0.9, yielding a win rate of 56.2%.
When one or more of the trio were absent, England played 33 matches, winning 21, drawing 6, and losing 6, with an average of 2.2 goals per game and 0.7 conceded, lifting the win rate to 63.6%.
In short, the numbers hint at stronger attacking output with all three on the field, but a slight uptick in success when the trio isn’t always filed in the same XI.
There is also a note on a match image: Getty Images
When Kane, Bellingham, and Foden are all available, the attack is potent, yet Tuchel’s system rewards versatility and structure. If someone has to miss out, the decision is not personal—it's tactical necessity for the greater good of the squad.
Foden's Versatility
Tuchel highlighted Phil Foden’s adaptability as a key edge in a crowded midfield/attack landscape. He said, "If you are a unique player, you can operate in more than one position. I think he can function as a number 9 or a number 10, which gives him an advantage in competition."
"At City he plays a blend of eight and ten, perhaps a number eight in the coming months. But I don’t think we’ll take five players from the same position to the tournament, because that wouldn’t help us," he added.
Tough Competition
Earlier in the day, Tuchel affirmed he won’t overhaul the system to appease stars, insisting players must push for their places in their natural positions.
Bellingham and Foden returned to the squad for World Cup qualifiers against Serbia and Albania after missing earlier camps, yet they face stiff competition from others who have shone and helped the team qualify early for the finals.
Morgan Gibbs-White is highlighted as one of those stepping up in the absence of the others, bringing fresh competition for the number ten role.
When asked if Rogers and Bellingham could play together, Tuchel replied, "Perhaps, but not in the same position. Rather than forcing stars into one spot, we should deploy each player in his natural role and keep the competition alive."
He also expressed confidence in the integration of Bellingham and Foden back into the group, expecting them to contribute to the high level England showed during their absence. Since Foden last appeared in March and Bellingham in June, England have won four straight matches with an aggregate score of 15-0.
"I expect them to be part of the group from the first moment. No reason to feel awkward. The squad has evolved without them, and we’ll maintain the same approach with or without any player. They’re back now, and it’s their responsibility to contribute to this level. The group is strong, the standards are clear, and integration is straightforward when the environment is solid. Alex Scott and other newcomers like him will also have their chances," Tuchel said.
What’s Next for England?
England sealed early qualification for the 2026 World Cup, set to be staged in the United States, Canada, and Mexico in June next year.
The Three Lions lead Group 11 with 18 points after six wins from six games, seven points ahead of Albania. England remain the only European team so far guaranteed a World Cup place, with 11 other spots to be decided in November.
Two final warm-up matches precede the finals, as results will not affect qualification. England host Serbia on Thursday in the ninth round and then travel to Albania on Sunday for the final group match.
Punchline time: If balance were a passport, Tuchel just bought England a first-class ticket. And if you thought the squad was full, wait until you see the bench—it's basically a couch full of potential winners. Punchline two: The only thing heavier than England's midfield is the penalties if someone forgets the kickoff times. Don’t worry, the whistle will remind them—louder than my sense of humor after a caffeine-free morning.
