England manager Roy Hodgson has claimed that the future of the national team is "very bright" despite increasing concern over the state of football in the country.
FA chairman Greg Dyke has been critical of the English set-up from grass roots level all the way up to the top flight, resulting in the creation of a new commission.
However, Hodgson believes that the future is a lot more promising than has been made out, with the likes of Jack Wilshere, Daniel Sturridge and Andros Townsend - who scored on his England debut against Montenegro last night - beginning to establish themselves.
"Suddenly we're getting in a situation where these younger players that we've always fancied strongly are starting to come through. We've always know they were there. We've just been unlucky," Hodgson told PA.
"Jack Wilshere has missed many games through injury, as has Daniel Sturridge. Danny Welbeck hasn't always played for Manchester United. Now things are coming together for us and they are getting their matches. Long may that continue.
"I don't share the gloom. The future for English football is very bright. We have a nice balance. What we need to do is win on Tuesday night and get ourselves to Brazil. Then you'll see an England team that will grow in strength, just like we've seen the German team do."
England currently sit top of World Cup qualifying Group H by one point with one match remaining, meaning that a win over Poland on Tuesday would guarantee their place in next year's tournament.
Barney Corkhill
