21 Jun 2010Brooking worried about England's future stars

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

FA director of footballing development Sir Trevor Brooking has confessed to harbouring fears that the next generation of English players may fail to live up to the standards of the current crop.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, Brooking warned of an "immediate void" in talent once some of England's present stars - including Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard and Chelsea man Frank Lampard - step down from international football.

"I don't think there are the obvious quality [players] coming through who can replicate what we have currently, unless we can fast-track one or two of the younger ones - and that's asking a lot," he told the newspaper.

Brooking added that some English Premier League football clubs have been hesitant to release up-and-coming players for international junior tournaments, instead opting to take them on their own pre-season tours.

Last week, German legend Franz Beckenbauer wrote in the South African Times that England's national team has been hampered by the number of foreigners plying their trade in the top flight.

Written by Terry Mitchell

© Copyright