Former Manchester United No2 Rene Meulensteen says the talent in USA's youth system is superior to England's.
Meulensteen has just taken an advisor's role with Philadelphia Union.
He told the Telegraph: "England have one of the most important basic elements, that desire to compete, that willingness to fight, but you just need to add a bit of quality to it. I doubt it will happen to be honest.
"I saw the England (Under-17) team playing in America last week (in the Nike Invitational tournament) and there wasn't one player who stood out to me. They were absolutely pummeled (3-1) by America who had four or five players who were brilliant, skillful, good passing, good decision-making. England were stale, pedestrian.''