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Brooking concern for youth talent

Sir Trevor Brooking fears for the future of English talent © Getty Images

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Sir Trevor Brooking, the Football Association's director of football development, believes England are heading towards a bleak period on the international front.

England Under-17 side claimed victory at this summer's European Championships and they are viewed as the brightest bunch of kids to have come through since Brooking attempted to reinvigorate youth coaching in the country.

However, speaking before England's 0-0 draw with Algeria, Brooking made no attempt to disguise a looming problem as the so-called "Golden Generation" head towards the end of their careers.

"There is not the obvious quality to replace what we already have unless we can fast-track some of these younger ones, which is asking a lot," he said. "You do have cycles. You only have to look at France, who need some fresh blood from somewhere and Germany, who four years ago were really worried.

"I have never hidden the fact that I didn't think we had the depth - and we will have to wait five years for those Under-17s to come through."

Brooking points to last summer's European Under-21 championships when England were hammered by Germany in the final.

Only James Milner and Joe Hart made it to South Africa, compared with six members of the German squad, including star man Mesut Ozil, who has already established himself as one of the best young players at the World Cup.

It highlights the lack of technical quality available to clubs in England, reinforcing the stereotype of a long-ball team Franz Beckenbauer was only too quick to leap on last week when he condemned England as a "kick and rush" team.

"About two or three months ago we brought out a technical guideline document, the future of the game, which was very well received," he said. "People are starting to understand the importance of developing young players.

"If you are looking to bring in the same standard of European it is going to cost you as third as much again as it was because of the Euro and the new tax system, so clubs won't be able to afford to bring them in."

Brooking's strategy is involved and complicated, but roughly involves ensuring coaches are coached properly and less emphasis is placed on teaching the five-to-11 age group how to work the ball and develop their control, rather than organising competitive games where teams with 'the big kid' tend to win.

In that sense, the Under-17s victory could not have been better timed.

Ipswich's Connor Wickham, Chelsea duo Nathaniel Chalobah and Josh MacEachran and Manchester United striker William Keane have all been identified among the best of the group. Yet, immediately, issues are looming.

"The question is where will they play their football in the next two or three years? Each place in the Premier League is worth £750,000," Brooking said. "Even at the end of a season you don't get a chance to try the youngsters because it can take money out of your transfer budget.

"If they go on loan to a Championship club it has to be the right club. You don't want them to lose that development because the next three years are absolutely crucial."

The self-interest of Premier League clubs can never be removed from the debate, and more dialogue is going to be required if England are to secure the release of Blackburn defender Phil Jones, Aston Villa's Nathan Delfouneso and Norwich keeper Declan Rudd for next month's European Under-19 Championships in France, as they are all wanted for pre-season tours.

"There are about five players we might have issues with," Brooking said. "Their clubs want them for non-competitive pre-season trips when they might not even play.

"They will never get that tournament experience against quality opposition again, which would be invaluable. They would even go back to their clubs fit."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.