Wayne Rooney believes England can win the next World Cup – if their stars play regular Prem football.
The DC United striker is the Three Lions’ all-time top scorer and represented his country at the 2006, 2010 and 2014 finals.
But Rooney, 32 was not selected by Gareth Southgate for Russia and instead elected to move to the US.
England were defeated in the semi-finals by Croatia – their best performance at a World Cup for 28 years.
Southgate has at his disposal a young, vibrant side and there is an expectation they could potentially win Euro 2020 on home soil and maybe even succeed at Qatar 2022.
Rooney is confident the young Three Lions will improve and mature but only if they play week-in, week-out for their top-flight clubs.
Rooney, speaking in an interview he said: “The maturity the team showed was fantastic and unfortunately they couldn’t get to the final and have a chance of winning it.
“But I think they had a great tournament, a lot of positives, and that will stand them in good stead going into the next tournament in two years’ time.
“I think that [the 2020 European Championships] will be a huge test to see where they are at for that next World Cup.
Wayne Rooney reminds England fans of goal-scoring skills
“The European Championship is a very difficult tournament to win.
“You know, two years down the line, I think those players will have a bit more experience, and I just hope they get the game time in England and at club level.
“If they do that then I’m sure England will be in a very good position for the next World Cup.”
It’s match week 3 of the Premier League as Man Utd face down Spurs and Arsenal take on West Ham