Midfielder Dele Alli has claimed that England can only have benefited in the long term from suffering an early exit at Euro 2016.
England had been regarded as one of the main contenders for the trophy in France, but the Three Lions suffered a 2-1 defeat to Iceland to bow out at the last-16 stage.
However, ahead of this summer's World Cup, Alli has suggested that Gareth Southgate's squad will be mentally stronger having gone through the experience of more tournament disappointment.
The 21-year-old is quoted by Sky Sports News as saying: "The Euros was one of the best and worst experiences of my career at the same time.
"Growing up, you watch the big tournaments on TV. You see the flags flying out of the windows and how much it means to the country - to be part of it was massive. But the way it ended in France was a huge disappointment.
"As a team, it would have been easy to hide, not to look back on it and get it out of our memories, but it was important we went through it, so that it doesn't happen again. I think as a team, and as individuals, we're stronger from going through that."
England are currently preparing to play friendly internationals against the Netherlands and Italy.
Darren Plant
