Coach Thomas Tuchel once publicly stated that Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden could not promote efficiency in the same squad. And the 2-0 victory over Serbia partly proved this point of view.
The last 25 minutes were probably the most exciting time. Tuchel continued to stick with the 4-2-3-1 formation, but when he made four changes after Bukayo Saka's opening goal in the first half, fans witnessed the difference.
Kane was withdrawn from the pitch with Morgan Rogers, who started in 10th place. Phil Foden replaced in the "false 9" position, with Bellingham playing behind. Eberechi Eze replaced Marcus Rashford on the left wing, while Jordan Henderson replaced Declan Rice. This allowed for Elliot Anderson to push up and have more impact on the attacking play.
The final result was an impressive performance by the "Three Lions" against Serbia. In the last 3 minutes, Bellingham passed Foden, and his delicate touch opened up opportunities for Eze. The Arsenal winger's shot hit the crossbar, but just 3 minutes later, the trio were unstoppable.
Bellingham rushed up and found Foden, who then made an accurate pass to Eze's feet. This time, his shot went straight into the top corner of the goal.
Serbia has been tired and is trying to find a goal to keep hoping for a move on. However, the harmonious coordination of the England trio became a new light, affirming the strength and creativity of the "Three Lions" in the decisive minutes.
Interestingly, Tuchel mentioned two players who were not in the squad - including Danny Welbeck - when asked if Foden could be a "planning B" for Kane.
"This is definitely an opportunity if Phil Foden maintains his current form, and with this form, I have no problems with him. I also have some other options in mind that I don't want to disclose publicly.
Don't forget, we have Ollie Watkins, Welbeck, and many other No. 9 players. Obviously, they are very different from Harry Kane.
So I think we have a lot of options. Depending on who is in good form, what we have in the squad, how we allocate playing time, what we have to meet and expect from the match. But today was a very good match" - said the England captain.
Tuchel's affirmation before the match that Foden should not be stuffed in the midfielder position - something his predecessor Gareth Southgate did at EURO 2024 - certainly made the public even more interested in the combination he will deploy.
For his part, Foden admitted in January that "my position on the left wing is very difficult to affect the match". His use as a "false 9" for England is a potential development step, something Southgate has never pursued.
At club level, Foden has played in this position under Pep Guardiola at Man City, especially after Erling Haaland joined the team.
Time will tell, but this flexibility could clearly be a big advantage for England.
