Carlo Ancelotti: The former Chelsea boss has urged fans not to despair and insists 'England have a future'

The former Chelsea boss has argued that the national team has a lot of potential with the likes of Eric Dier and Dele Alli in its ranks

Ancelotti sees a bright future ahead for England (Getty Images)

Carlo Ancelotti has urged English fans not to lose faith in the national side following their humiliating defeat to Iceland at Euro 2016.

The former Chelsea boss has insisted that the England team has a bright future ahead of itself with players such as Eric Dier and Dele Alli set to grow from strength to strength over the coming years.

England crashed out of the European Championship following their embarrassing 2-1 defeat to Iceland which Ancelotti described as “the biggest moment in the history of Icelandic football”.

Roy Hodgson’s side managed to win only one game in France – against bitter rivals Wales - but were let down by a general lack of creativity and flair going forward for the majority of the tournament.

The side have been subject to scathing criticism from fans and pundits alike for their peformances but Ancelotti has sought to provide some consolation.

Writing in his column for the Daily Telegraph, the 57-year-old said: “It is not as bad as you think. Let me tell you one thing: this England team has a lot of potential.

“I like these young players that Roy Hodgson picked. I think Eric Dier has been one of the best players in the tournament. Dele Alli will be playing Champions League football next season, and he will be one of the best young players in the competition.

“England have a future. They were the second-youngest team in this tournament and they were the youngest squad until Germany brought in Jonathan Tah.”

Ancelotti pointed to the example of the Belgium national side whose golden generation is finally coming to fruition.

“Just look at Belgium,” he said. “I’m still not sure even the Belgians know how they have managed it.

“Anyway, it takes time to build these young players into a team and to blend them with the experienced players.

“The next England manager will have that time over the next two years to build this good young core of players whom Roy has brought into the squad into a team with a good spirit and a togetherness.”

The current Bayern Munich manager also reiterated the significance of experience and suggested that a lack of it had hindered England’s performances in France.

“First these young players have to get some more experience, and sometimes the necessary experience is about coming together after a really big defeat that leaves you sad and angry."