Jude Bellingham claims he is using the disappointment of England's missed opportunities to drive him toward success at the European Championships next summer.
The national squad is now on its most prosperous run since Sir Alf Ramsey guided Bobby Moore's heroes to World Cup victory in 1966.
Following the unexpected run to the 2018 European Championship semi-finals in Russia, manager Gareth Southgate took England to its first European Championship final two years ago.
At the World Cup, Jude Bellingham was a standout performer for England.
In his debut competition, Bellingham lost to Italy in a heartbreaking shootout at Wembley, and in his first World Cup, he was humiliated by France in the quarterfinals in December.
However, focus has now shifted to their pursuit for Euros success in Germany next summer, a competition that England will advance to significantly by winning its qualifiers against Malta and North Macedonia in June.
Due to a knee injury, Bellingham, who is close to joining Real Madrid after Borussia Dortmund accepted their offer, won't be participating in those games, but he nevertheless reported to St. George's Park to continue his recovery.
Bellingham recently told the PA news agency, "We've got to approach the qualifiers with the same mentality as we approach major tournaments."
We've done quite well in the last three (tournaments), in my opinion. The last one wasn't as good as the others, but we definitely faced a tougher opponent this time.
Although the way we finished was disappointing, you can still be confident knowing that you can compete with one of the top teams in Europe.
Knowing there aren't many better teams than us on paper puts you in a strong position, you'd like to think.
"So, you take that assurance and the knowledge we've learned over the past several.
"Trying to win it is always the objective. We should all approach it with that objective, so that's what we'll strive to accomplish.
I believe that the suffering I experienced following the final and the World Cup will undoubtedly motivate me in next competitions.
When Bellingham and his excellent English teammates are trying to win a trophy in Germany, you would not bet against them.
The 24-cap youth responded, "I'd just say stick with us, really," when asked what advice he would give fans.
"England supporters can sense it for themselves; they have ambition but are not naive. There is a justification for the current level of buzz and expectation around the team.
"The fact is, we are providing. Of course, we'd like to bring home a trophy and win the competition, but I believe there are stages to take.
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