IF GETTING TO EURO 2024 IS A CERT, FINALLY PICK A SIDE WHO’LL WIN IT

IN recent history, no one qualifies for major football tournaments quite like England.

Since Steve McClaren’s squad missed out on Euro 2008, England have played 26 European Championship qualifying games, losing only one, drawing three and winning 22, with a goal difference of plus 71.

Over the past two decades, they have played 50 World Cup qualifying games and lost only two, drawing nine and winning 39, with a goal difference of plus 118.

It might sound like infamous English arrogance, but my guess is that however maverick Gareth Southgate’s selections might be, we will qualify for Euro 2024.

There will be some tricky engagements in a group that contains Italy, Ukraine, North Macedonia and Malta, but no formidable hurdles.

It starts with the trickiest engagement, a trip to Naples in 11 days, and, on Thursday, Southgate (below) names his first squad since the quarterfinal defeat to France in Qatar.

With the Italy match in mind, do not expect too many surprises, but wouldn’t it be nice if – over the course of the next few international breaks – we saw glimpses of the talent that could see England take those last steps at the finals of a major tournament?

In other words, it is time for a bit of refreshment.

Quite clearly, there needs to be a central defensive rethink.

He has only just returned to fitness, so this squad might come a bit too soon, but 20-year-old Levi Colwill – on loan at Brighton from Chelsea – has the makings of a topclass international centre-half.

And there has to be an immediate recall for AC Milan’s Fikayo Tomori.

Marc Guehi, 22 and capped three times by Southgate, has not been foot-perfect for Crystal Palace, but is another who you could envisage on the grandest stages.

In midfield, Harvey Elliott has had his struggles after his initial breakthrough, particularly with injury, but the 19-year-old’s performance for Liverpool against Manchester United was worthy of an England call-up in its own right. I have always been a big admirer of Aston Villa’s Jacob Ramsey, 21, and believe he has looked ready for the step up for some time.

Upfront, Ivan Toney, at 26, is no longer in the “youngster” bracket, but he must be one of the prime striking options, not only for the Euro 2024 finals, but for World Cup 2026.

The Brentford striker is, of course, facing a raft of FA betting charges, but until he is convicted, he must be available for selection.

Every fan will have his or her take on who should be given a shot and who should be jettisoned.

But let’s see a squad selection that gives a nod to the task of finally landing a trophy... because they don’t give them out for breezing through qualifying.

Quite clearly, there needs to be a central defensive rethink... and a recall for Tomori

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