15 Jun 2010English national team 'hurt by top-flight foreigners'

Football Referees, Players, Managers and Media

Legendary German footballer Franz Beckenbauer has launched a stinging attack on the state of English football, claiming the national team is being adversely affected by the proliferation of foreign players in the English Premier League.

Writing for South African newspaper the Times, the 64-year-old slammed England's "kick and rush" style of play in their recent draw with the US and questioned the quality of resources available to coach Fabio Capello.

"The English are being punished for the fact that there are very few English players in the Premier League as clubs use better foreign players from all over the world," Beckenbauer wrote.

His comments came after Leeds United chairman and former Chelsea chief Ken Bates criticised England's top-flight clubs for failing to produce high-quality domestic footballers in large numbers.

Speaking to the Yorkshire Post, the 78-year-old pointed out that 172 foreign English Premier League players are taking part in this summer's FIFA World Cup and backed Football League plans to impose quotas of home-grown footballers.

Written by Paul Roberts

© Copyright