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Iceland's World Cup success their greatest achievement, says Eggert Magnusson

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See Iceland's unique celebration as they became the smallest nation to ever qualify for the World Cup finals

Former West Ham chairman Eggert Magnusson says Iceland's World Cup qualification eclipses their epic journey to Euro 2016 and insists none of the elite teams will want to be paired with them next summer.

Iceland became the smallest country to qualify for a World Cup when they beat Kosovo 2-0 on Monday to top Group I.

The country has a population of approximately 350,000; the previous smallest country to have reached the global football showcase was Trinidad & Tobago in 2006, with 1.3m people.

Magnusson, a former president of the Iceland FA, told Sky Sports News: "It's amazing. A great achievement. We are lucky to have a group of very good players who are very dedicated and they play together as a team. They have achieved remarkable success in the last few years.

Eggert Magnusson says all the pressure is on England against Iceland
Image: Eggert Magnusson says the Iceland players are a 'very dedicated' group

"During the Euros almost half the nation was in France. It's difficult to describe in words just how much this means to a nation like Iceland. Our team is at its best when it is facing difficult opponents.

"In many ways. this is an even greater achievement than qualifying for Euro 2016 because we finished top of our group. When you qualify for the Euros there are 24 nations who go through. It is much harder for the World Cup."

Harry Kane celebrates with Michael Keane after scoring from the penalty spot
Image: Magnusson says England can improve their attacking prowess under Gareth Southgate

Iceland have once again captured the hearts of the nation with their journey to Russia in stark contrast to England's more prosaic progress to the finals - but Magnusson says it can yet come good for Gareth Southgate's side.

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He said: "I wouldn't say that Iceland players care more than England players but it's easy to criticise the way England plays.

"But the most important thing is that you won your group and qualified easily. The manager (Gareth Southgate) can adjust now before the finals and find a way to play that is maybe more attractive and scores more goals.

"England have great players they just need to find the right way to play."

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