League Cup winners the last few years, the top teams seem to take it seriously enough, why can't we?

2022 Liverpool FC
2021 Manchester City
2020 Manchester City
2019 Manchester City
2018 Manchester City
2017 Manchester United
2016 Manchester City
2015 Chelsea FC
2014 Manchester City

Is it still a route to European football? Can't underestimate how much of a carrot that is.