Team can build on their achievements

Football Association chief executive Martin Glenn believes England’s run to the semi-finals has given them a platform to aspire to greater heights.

Gareth Southgate’s side surprised many with their run to the last four in Russia but Glenn feels it was the result of much hard work on and off the field.

With that set-up remaining in place, coupled with the re-energising of supporters’ love for the national side after years of under-achievement, targets should remain high.

Glenn told BBC Radio 5 Live’s Sportsweek programme: “We got to the semi-final. We felt having got that far we couldalmosttouchtheWorldCupandwe didn’t get through.

“There is a feeling of disappointment but offsetting that is a really good sense of progress. We didn’t expect the squad, with the experience it has, to make the semi-finals of the World Cup.

“We are going to build from here. We are not going to see this as a high-water mark that we look back ruefully on.

“We are going to keep getting stronger. We can’t guarantee we will win but we can be a lot more consistent in terms of how we compete at the quarters, semis and finals.”

For Glenn, the reconnection of the England team with supporters has been one of the most encouraging aspects of the World Cup performance. He puts that down to an environment on and off the field in which players can thrive.

He said: “I think it’s the reconnecting with the England fans (that has stood out), the fact that fans got really excited by the way we played, the way the England team have shown up — team first, individuals second.

“It’s been proper teamwork, I think, that people have felt in previous tournaments has been lacking.

“It just feels like a more grown-up, open, fun environment. We’re disappointed we didn’t make the final but everyone has enjoyed the ride.”

Glenn feels manager Southgate deserves a lot of credit for the creation of that set-up.

“We really appreciate the work Gareth has done and the team he has put together on and off the pitch,” Glenn said.

“We’re not talking about contracts right now but we would love him to stay for longer. He is on the start of a project.

“He is a credit to his country, the way he carries himself, the way he leads, the way he motivates.

“One of the reasons the players have enjoyed the five weeks in Russia so much is that he gives them something different to think about.

“Heisexcellentandagreatambassador for our country and our team.”