England U17 captain Jordan Spence says they can be proud of what they achieved at last month's World Cup in South Korea.
England were defeated 4-1 in the quarterfinals by Germany last week, but West Ham defender Spence told thefa.com: "There are tons of positives.
"In the last year, in terms of football education, we could not have had any better. We are all youth players and we are still learning. To play in matches like we have is invaluable.
"I'm so proud of the lads. We are a tight group, anyone can see that, we are all pulling in the same direction. It's like one big family. I'm chuffed to bits to say I have lead this side. We have had some high points and some low points, but we will be better for them."
Spence has enjoyed the World Cup from a personal point of view and he believes he has improved as a player.
"It gives you a belief to know you are doing well," he said. "You are standing up against the world's best players. We pitched ourselves against Brazil and Germany and we have stood up to the challenge."
