Former England manager Roy Hodgson has insisted that the current crop of players still have a bright future with the national team despite their early Euro 2016 exit.
The Three Lions, who had one of the least experienced squads at this summer's tournament, saw their campaign abruptly ended on Monday night as they slumped to a shock 2-1 defeat at the hands of Iceland in Nice.
The result has been widely accepted as one of the lowest moments in England's football history, but Hodgson, who resigned in the immediate aftermath, is confident that the team can bounce back.
"It's results that count and results you get judged on. I'm sure these players will live up to expectations and get better and better," he told reporters.
"I feel progress will be made and one day we will see and England team do very, very well at a tournament and my hope is it will be in 2018.
"I think this group of players as they mature will show they are worthy of wearing the England shirt."
Hodgson also admitted that his side were not ruthless enough throughout the tournament in France.
Barney Corkhill
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