Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney says it's unthinkable that England could fail to reach the World Cup.
The last World Cup that did not have an English presence was the 1994 campaign under Graham Taylor.
Rooney understands the criticism that will follow should England not meet their objective over the next week.
"For a country like ours, with the talent we have, it would be a failure not to qualify," he said.
"As players, we will all take the responsibility if we don't get there.
"But we are positive and excited about the games coming up. We have to be confident in ourselves. We believe in ourselves."
