English players need more playing time in the Premier League to improve our standing internationally.
'So we’re left with players like Peter Crouch who are not getting a regular game for their club'
The state of the English game at a national level is awful. We are constantly being told that we have the best team around, but I’m not sure too many fans fall this one any more.
We do have some quality players, there is no doubt, but there is a definite lack of numbers when it comes to certain teams.
We have been told by the media for a number of years that to be considered England class you really should be playing for a so-called top four side. I don’t agree with that but I don’t pick the team.
The problem with this is that the so-called top four – Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool - have very few English players actually turning out for them every week. And those who do play for them are the ones who many people feel should be put under a bit more pressure for their places.
Arsenal have Theo Walcott who plays every now and again. Liverpool have Steven Gerrard who is their only real England regular, Chelsea have Frank Lampard, Joe Cole and Shaun Wright-Phillips who only gets the odd game. So we’re left with players like Peter Crouch who are not getting a regular game for their club.
There used to be a rule in County cricket (not sure if there still is) that you can only play so many non-English players. Now I don’t know how far I would go with this because to me a large majority of non-English players have improved the overall skill level in the Premier League (not withstanding there diving and lack of tackling skills) but I do feel a minimum number of British players should be required, maybe three or four.
This would still allow teams to develop and try and get into the money market that is the European game, but it would also allow English talent to thrive.
One footnote on this. If you want to buy a player now, and you have a limited budget, sadly English players can be out of your league price-wise. Something may have to be done about how much some clubs ask for their up and coming talent.
But then again, maybe if they got more drip-down money from the Premier League they wouldn’t have too ask too much.
What is the answer to the influx of foreign talent and lack of English presence? Post your comments below.