England failure due to foreigners

7 juli 2006, 11:30

Koen Freriks

The head of European football has blamed too many foreigners in the Premier League for England's failure to progress in the World Cup.

Lennart Johansson, UEFA president and FIFA vice-president, feels the influx of foreign players is stifling home-grown talent at the top level of club football.

Asked for his view of England's failure to produce their best, Johansson said: "The fact is that the big clubs in Europe are buying foreign players and don't give the opportunity to the home-produced players. The club football in the Premier League in England is at its highest possible level."