The football Association’s (FA) target of winning the FIFA World Cup in 2022 has been scrapped by its incoming chair – despite the ambition being a key part of the executive team’s strategy.

Greg Clarke – who officially replaced Greg Dyke this summer – said that he was “not going to put pressure on and say we are going to win this tournament or that tournament”.

He also derided the clock installed at the FA’s flagship performance centre St George’s Park, which counts down to the 2022 final in Qatar.

Dyke revealed the target in 2013 – before England’s embarrassing group stage exit during the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, and the last-16 defeat to Iceland at this summer’s Euro 2016 in France.

The former BBC director general’s ambition was endorsed by FA technical director Dan Ashworth, who has been responsible for devising the path to victory in six years time with a focus on creating an "England DNA" through player education and working together regularly at the Burton-based St George's Park.

He has also been and exploring the possibility of implementing of specialist coaches for players in different positions.

Speaking at the organisation’s annual Coaching Conference in December 2015, Ashworth said: “Greg Dyke launched a vision and target of winning the World Cup in Qatar in 2022 and 2023 for the female team, and then sustainable tournament success thereafter.

“Some people will say they’re not sure that it’s possible for England to win the World Cup or European Championship, and I’m telling you it’s absolutely possible.”