Gareth Southgate faces a selection dilemma for England as he plans to refresh his defence

England manager Gareth Southgate faces a selection dilemma at the heart of the defense as he finalizes his first post-World Cup squad.

The national team coach announces his squad for the Euro 2024 qualifiers against Italy and Ukraine next Thursday and has considered renewing his central defensive contingent.

Southgate has brought John Stones, Harry Maguire, Eric Dier and Conor Coady to Qatar, but is realizing that his options at center back need to evolve before next year’s Euros.

The England manager remains a huge fan of Maguire, but the defender has made just five starts since the World Cup and the credibility of selecting the Manchester United captain when he is not playing regularly at club level will be called into question again if he is chosen. next. week.

Dier’s excellent form at the end of 2022 saw him selected ahead of other younger options as Southgate opted for a more experienced squad amid feelings it would be his last tournament as England manager.

John Stones and Harry Maguire were the favorites in Qatar, but both have barely played since.

But the Tottenham defender has not been a fixture during Southgate’s reign and his position, as well as that of Everton defender Coady, who lost his place in Sean Dyche’s starting XI, could be threatened ahead of next year’s Euros. .

Stones has not played for Manchester City since late January due to a hamstring injury, although he was named on the bench for his team’s win over Newcastle last weekend.

AC Milan defender Fikayo Tomori’s terrific performance against Spurs as the Italian team advanced to the Champions League quarter-final on Wednesday night will bring his international future back into the spotlight.

The former Chelsea defender was unlucky to miss out on a place in the England squad for Qatar as Southgate opted for experience over potential.

sports mail understands there have been concerns about Tomori’s ability in possession, a key attribute Southgate looks for in its central defences.

But Tomori remains firmly on England’s radar and his calls for a retirement would no doubt have been bolstered by his impressive performance against Tottenham.

Elsewhere, Brighton defender Levi Colwill is interesting for Southgate.

How Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi and Maguire compare this season (stats per 90 minutes)

Stones has struggled with injuries, while Tomori has impressed (stats per 90 minutes this season).

Mings has shone at Aston Villa since Unai Emery took over (stats per 90 minutes this season)

The centre-back, on loan from Chelsea, has impressed for the Seagulls this season and caught England’s attention in the process.

His progress has been slowed by injury and he has not played since a 3-0 win over Liverpool on 14 January.

Southgate have admired the 20-year-old’s composure in possession and the fact that he is left-footed is a huge advantage in terms of adding natural balance to England’s defence.

Colwill is returning to full fitness, completing 45 minutes for Brighton’s under-21s at the weekend, but next week’s squad may come too soon for the youngster.

However, Colwill, who is expected to remain at Chelsea next season, has already been designated as a future full international by Southgate.

Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi will also return to contention after missing out on the World Cup squad.

The 22-year-old has played three times for England and is already being eyed by several of the Premier League’s top teams ahead of the summer transfer window.

Tottenham are understood to be the most forward in their interest, although Manchester United are believed to be monitoring their situation.

Tyrone Mings is recapturing the kind of form that saw him break into the England team at Aston Villa and could be considered again.

Conor Coady has been a mainstay of the Southgate team but was dropped by Everton.

Fikayo Tomori is in the crosshairs, especially after his performance against Tottenham