Manchester United midfielder Tom Cleverley insists England have a bright future under coach Roy Hodgson.

Cleverley, who has established himself as an England regular, starting eight games in a row since his debut last August, believes Hodgson's young lions can snap the national team out of decades of under-achievement.

"A lot of us know each other from the Under-21s, and we're enthusiastic and fearless," said Cleverley.

"We've got to make sure we qualify first, but if we do that I don't think we'll be scared of anyone. We proved that by beating Brazil earlier this year.

"A lot of us younger players know each other from either our clubs or from England youth teams.

"Knowing each other, coming through the ranks together and having that bond would make it even more special if we could do something big.

"Add to that the experience of senior players like Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, Ashley Cole, Wayne Rooney and Michael Carrick and you've got a great mix.

"When we're away, the team spirit is so good. You can see the passion is there and what it means to players when we don't win."