Aaron Cresswell believes it is crucial that West Ham secure European football for next season if they are to continue their progression under David Moyes.
The Hammers have enjoyed a remarkable rise during Moyes’ second stint in charge, transforming from relegation candidates to Europa League semi-finalists after their famous win in Lyon last week.
West Ham face Eintracht Frankfurt in the last four and winning the Europa League would secure qualification to the Champions League next season.
While they dropped points in a 1-1 draw with Burnley on Sunday, West Ham remain in contention for a European place via the Premier League.
Moyes is keen for the club to kick on again this summer but, for that to happen, Cresswell says they must be in Europe again in 2022/23.
"It [being in Europe] is massive because I've been here a long time and seen the lows, fighting relegation battles and things like that," Cresswell told Standard Sport.
"Since the gaffer has come in the progression of the club is certainly heading in the right direction and you don't want to go backwards.
"I'm not putting expectations on us that we have to be in Europe every year, but as a club and for our progression this is where we want to be heading."
While Moyes was furious at missing the chance to really take advantage of slip-ups from Arsenal and Tottenham in recent weeks, West Ham players remain convinced they are still in a battle to finish fourth.
Cresswell has warned their London rivals that they remain in West Ham's sights.
"Yeah of course," he said. "We've still got five games to go and we're never going to give up. There are still 15 points to play for, a lot of points.
"We've still got to play Arsenal and Chelsea. They're tough teams but if we beat them you can see it as a six-pointer and we're going to keep fighting until the end."
