The English player myth

[northbank123]

The key to sustaining international success is putting players through the youth, u-21, systems. Success at that level shows that players can achieve on the international stage. Spain, Italy, French and Germany have all experienced success and moved on to the full international. We seem to neglect that and introduce players to the the bigger international stage too soon, making the young player believe they have reached their goal a full international cap, and then it goes tits up. I would say the best thing to happen to Theo was being left out the 2010 world cup squad.

If anything I think we seem a bit too pre-occupied with U21 success. Yes Hodgson has thrown the likes of Sterling and Townsend into the first team squad before they deserve it and before they're ready but look at the top 10 cap earners for England U21s - Milner, Huddlestone, Muamba, Mancienne, Carson, Steven Taylor, Rose, Carragher, Barry and Henderson. Huddlestone, Muambu, Mancienne, Steven Taylor, Rose and Henderson were never going to be England players, and that would have fairly obvious halfway through their U21 careers so why persist?

U21 success is a good sign but doesn't mean that much if you're packing your squad full of 22 year olds who already have 25+ U21 caps but are never really going to make the grade for England. It's ridiculous that we've had situations like with Wilshere and Walcott where they've earned a few full caps and then they're sent back to the U21s.

For an international U21 team success should be measured by how well they successfully facilitate the transition of young players into the full international side more than win percentages.

[I Hate Hleb]

Agree. What people forget is that Spain had good players - that's what it's about, not all this 'they need tournament experience' rubbish that people like Pearce and co have been spouting these past 18 months!!

[Arsenal Till I Die]

The problem starts with that fact kids are almost banned from playing football anywhere but parks these days. You can't play footie in the street anymore. ''No Ball Games'' signs are up everywhere and for some kids a park isn't a close/walking distance options and places like Powerleauge charge.

Kids aren't encouraged enough to go out and play footie. It doesn't just stem from lack of ethics for the kids, their environment plays a huge factor in that.

At a professional level, I don't agree with the whole ''Foreign players are killing the English game' crap. If the English players were good enough then they'd play and if you're not getting enough games at your current club then leave because if you're that good teams across Europe will take you. It's as simple as that.

Could it also be down to the fact that England haven't had a good enough manager since Bobby Robson?