Former England boss Steve McClaren believes Gareth Southgate's side have caught up with the best teams in the world and will be contenders for every tournament they play in.

The Three Lions' hopes of ending a 55-year wait for a major trophy were dashed on Sunday as Italy claimed Euro 2020 after a penalty shootout.

However, McClaren believes England fans can look forward with confidence.

"This is an unbelievable squad," he told BBC Radio 5 live.

"Gareth has given us a team to be proud of, he has united the nation and he has given us hope for the future and in the future there is hope.

"We are contenders now for every competition - and certainly will be in 18 months.

"We will learn from the two tournaments, semi-final and a final - they've had moments that will be character building and that is what it is all about."