Guernsey have only reached this stage of qualification once, in 2024.

The following year they were knocked out by the Netherlands and missed out on a chance to play in the 2026 edition of the competition in India and Sri Lanka.

Thomson said: “It’s just the way it is with the numbers and depth of the European cricket at a sub-regional level.

“But I think we proved that there is depth and quality is also here in some of the non-traditional sides.”

He added Guernsey “absolutely deserves” to be in the next round.

“We romped through our sub-group, and I think we can certainly go there and target some wins.

“I’ve watched Denmark, Spain, and Portugal, and on our day we can be better than those sides.

“The cricket we’ve played over the last few years, and some of the performances that we’ve put in and the individuals that we’ve got, I think we we’re going to be able to give it a great shot.”

Guernsey’s qualifying campaign will continue next year as they look to reach the 2028 tournament being co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand.

The BBC has contacted the ICC for comment.