England boss Roy Hodgson has expressed his belief that his side will get "better and stronger" as the younger players in his squad develop.
The Three Lions crashed out of the World Cup at the group stage for the first time since 1958, but despite this disappointment the 66-year-old is confident that the future is bright for his team.
"I think that bodes well for the future," Hodgson told reporters. "I believe England have a very strong basis for a team, it's very young.
"These players, within the space of two years, will play in the Premier League and they will get better and stronger as an England team.
"I have never doubted this team will become stronger and better, and we will just for the moment have to suck on this very bitter pill, that our hopes and dreams have floundered here because we were unable to win the games."
Out of Hodgson's 23-man squad for the World Cup only five players were over the age of 30.
Simon Sinclair
