Leeds United winger Eddie Lewis is hoping to forget about his side's play-off disappointment by helping the USA enjoy a successful World Cup Finals.

Lewis played in the 3-0 defeat to Watford on Sunday as Leeds failed to clinch a return to the Premiership, but has already flown to Germany to begin his preparations for next month's tournament.

"Looking back we did not play the type of game we wanted to play and that cost us," he told United's official website.

"It was always going to be a determining factor as to who could establish themselves first in the game and I think Watford did a better job of that from back to front.

"It took us a while to get the ball down on the floor and unfortunately it was a little bit too late.

"They had a lot of set-pieces and you get nervous when that happens and that's what led to their second goal. We ended up playing their game more than ours and that's probably why it turned out like it did.

"Now we need to upgrade in one or two departments and hit the ground running next season.

"We need to stay on a similar path of progression and if we manage that then it's automatic promotion. It took us a while to get going this season so it will help to start well next season - start at the top and stay there."