ALL OF SQUAD NEED GAMES

ENGLAND can become European champions next summer.

A bold statement, I know, after Friday’s laboured win over Malta, but Gareth Southgate’s side should not fear anyone in Germany.

If they perform at their best and have the kind of luck that every team need to win a championship, then the country might finally get to celebrate an international triumph for the senior men’s team.

It is no secret that Harry Kane is one of the world’s best strikers or that Jude Bellingham is already within touching distance of being a world-class player.

Behind them are a wealth of experienced players who have gone close before at Euros and in World Cups.

But what I would like to see now is Southgate (below, with Cole Palmer) call on players who will be going to the finals as part of the squad.

He will know his preferred line-up – and the players he will call on to change things.

But he must now give those players, who will complete his squad, game time at international level.

Otherwise, how will he know whether they are good enough if it comes to the crunch in Munich or Berlin?

Tomorrow night’s final qualifier in North Macedonia should be a proving ground for these players.

England have also lined up prestige friendlies against Brazil and Belgium in the spring.

These are also games that should be used to season players on the big international stage.

Put these lads in against the likes of Neymar and Kevin De Bruyne and they will know this is their chance to prove themselves ahead of a major tournament.

We’ve seen the best of what England have to offer, now let’s see the rest.