The recent plight of the England football team demonstrated a big national problem.The team's lack of creativity and simple passing-the-ball technique brought back memories of the Graham Taylor era. 

The question is whether the problem is highlighted by the lack of English players in the top four club sides. Surely if players with the required ability existed, then they would be playing at the top level.

Why is there a lack of English players making it into the Arsenal, Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea sides, and would restricting foreign players help matters?  Obviously this would affect freedom of movement in regards to EU law, but perhaps it would help to adopt a system where overseas players are eligible only if they have reached 25 caps for their full national side. 

'Limiting eligibility to players who have at least 25 caps would mean only proven internationals enter the top English league'


If this system was implemented, it would not be subject to any breaches of law as the Premier League could stipulate it as part of league regulations.  Limiting eligibility to players who have at least 25 caps would mean only proven internationals enter the top English league.

This would have a knock-on effect in that young talent would stay in their own countries and have an opportunity to break into club sides.  An example of why this might be a good thing can be witnessed by all the young talent coming to Liverpool and Arsenal recently.  Both of these club sides have bought many young players from abroad.  However, how many will actually make it and get a chance to play regularly and, therefore, mature to realise their talents?

Something needs to be done urgently to help ensure that English players have the chance to play at the top level and prove themselves in the Champions League.  A good example of this is how the young English players at Manchester United came through and were slowly exposed to playing top European teams.  This helped them develop into top players. 

An current example on the negative side might be the fact that talents like Theo Walcott  aren't playing regularly, although I wouldn't wish to argue with a proven coach such as Arsene Wenger.