1 Jul 2008McLaren and grassroots 'to blame' for England's Euro 2008 absence

Football Leagues/ Association and Governance | Football Referees, Players, Managers and Media | Football Supporters News

A new poll of football fans has revealed that nearly seven out of ten supporters blame Steve McLaren for England's failure to take part in this summer's Euro 2008 tournament.

The new FC Twente boss was blamed by 68 per cent of football fans in a poll by Nivea For Men.

Fans also blamed the influx of foreign talents into the Premier League for the nation's lack of success with 61 per cent believing there are too many in the top flight.

In addition, 63 per cent think there are not enough young English players coming through the ranks.

Grass roots football could be the saviour for the English national team, with 41 per cent of fans thinking the poor quality of coaching at this level was to blame.

But 89 per cent believe an improvement in this area could lead to future successes of the national team.

When asked which teams play the best football, a quarter of fans said Spain's players were good to watch.

Only one per cent said Germany's players produce the most exciting displays, while the study, cited on the Vital Football website, revealed that one per cent of fans think Russia's players play good football.

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