Kompany says England will reach major final by 2022

Thursday 14 Aug 2014
Shaw, Barkley and Sterling are among England's long-term prospects
Vincent Kompany believes the next generation of English talent will take the Three Lions to the final of a major tournament before 2022.

Despite the positive words, the Manchester City captain also warned that the journey to the top of the world game should not be considered a short-term one, and warned fans to patient.

He said: "People talk about the great facilities in England but they've only been here for two to three years. You still have to wait.

Calum Chambers in action for England U19s.

Arsenal's Calum Chambers is another tipped to make it to the senior team

"England will play a World Cup final in the next four competitions for the simple reason that no other country has as much resources to put into facilities."

Kompany – who signed a new five-year contract at the Etihad on Wednesday - also said that in order to fully realise their potential, young English players must be willing to follow the example of other European players and head overseas to gain experience.

"What has made my development is not the fact that I started in the Premier League at 17 or 18 because it's not realistic," he added. 

"It's the most competitive league in the world.

"I started at Anderlecht at 17 and played Champions League at 17 and moved on when I was 20. That made a difference for players like me, Eden Hazard, Jan Vertonghen, (Mousa) Dembele, all the players in my national team. We started at smaller clubs.

Vincent Kompany has won the Premier League twice with Manchester City

"If you ask a kid at 17 to go play in League One or go and play in the first division in Holland, 90 per cent will want to play in League One. 

"But it's a different type of football to what is required for the Premier League. Open the borders in your head."

Manchester City and Kompany begin the defence of their Premier League crown at Newcastle United on Sunday 17 August. 

Their first home game of the season is against Brendan Rodgers’ Liverpool eight days later.

By Jamie Reid Senior Writer