Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho believes England are one of the contenders to win the World Cup next year in Russia.
England remained unbeaten during the qualifying stages for the 2018 World Cup, with eight victories and two draws from their 10 Group F fixtures.
The Three Lions also recorded two 0-0 draws in friendlies against reigning world champions Germany and one of next year’s tournament favourites Brazil during November’s internationals, as a host of youngsters made their debuts.
Mourinho told Sky Sports: "I think England must have a chance because the players are really good, there's a great generation of players at different ages and with different qualities.
"They have good experience at club level, playing in the Premier League and plenty of them play in the Champions League too.
While the 54-year-old is backing England to perform well in Russia, he has warned Gareth Southgate’s side they face fierce competition from South America and Europe.
The Three Lions next play Holland and Italy in friendlies in March, with those two sides surprisingly missing out on qualifying for the World Cup.
He added: "England have great potential to do something important.
"In South America there are a couple of important teams, in Europe the same three or four so I can't believe next summer we will have a huge surprise."
Mourinho is likely to keep a close watch on proceedings at the World Cup with the majority of his United squad expected to be involved, while he may also be on a scouting mission for potential transfer targets.
Southgate included four United players in his last England squad with Phil Jones, Ashley Young, Jesse Lingard and Marcus Rashford all receiving a call-up.
While the likes of Chris Smalling, Luke Shaw and Michael Carrick will be aiming to impress before Southgate names his final World Cup squad for Russia in June.
