Is Gareth Southgate’s Assertion of a Shortage of English Players a Reality Check?

Gareth Southgate Concerned Over Lack of English Players in Elite Football

Gareth Southgate, the England national football team manager, has voiced his concerns over the diminishing number of English players in top-flight football. He believes this could have negative consequences for England’s success in future tournaments. Southgate has indicated that it may be necessary to start selecting players from the Championship.

Southgate’s concerns are not unfounded. Recent data has revealed that the percentage of English players in the Premier League has decreased this season, despite being broadly consistent with the five-year average of 32%. Southgate has also highlighted that English players are not playing as much in the Champions League as their international rivals. This suggests that England may lack the depth of other major footballing nations, which could lead to less success on the pitch in the future.

However, analysis of the numbers offers a more positive outlook for the future. The playing time of young English players in the Premier League has actually increased in recent years. Additionally, English under-21 players have played more minutes in the Champions League in the past two seasons compared to other European nationalities. France, which has performed well on the international stage recently, also demonstrates that there may not be a direct correlation between the number of minutes played by a nation’s players in the best leagues and that nation’s success.

Therefore, while there is cause for concern, these issues may not necessarily lead to a decline in England’s success in major tournaments. The Premier League’s homegrown player rule and Brexit may also impact the number of English players eligible for the national team in the future. However, Southgate’s concerns highlight the need for ongoing efforts to support the development and growth of young English players in football.



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