Looking to the future

Much was said of England's "old guard" after Euro 2012.  Critics questioned where does the England team go, what lays ahead for Roy Hodgson's squad?  Lots argued that the problem sits deep within the game, at the grassroots and youth level of the game.

But is it all so bleak?

Well, it can't be denied that it was only the organisation of England's defence in Ukraine that ensured the quarter finals were reached, so clearly the senior team needs a make-over.  At younger age groups though, England have earnt success in recent times, so can this be reason to be positive?

The under-21s reached the final of the European Championships back in 2009.  The under-19s made it to a second Euro semi-final in three years after finishing as runners-up in 2009.  England's under-17s won the European Championships in 2010.  So, why has this tournament success not been translated into better performances on the biggest stage.

One of the key reasons is where those players go onto.  Of that Championship winning under-17 side, only Jack Butland and Connor Wickham have made a real impact domestically.  And just 4 players from that squad have featured in the Premier League at all.

That's not of immediate concern - most of those players are still just 18 or 19 years old and time is on their side.  But the question becomes is it the Premier League that are letting our young players down, rather than our youngsters?

Less than half of players in the Premier League are English.  It's possible our top division has become a victim of it's own success. But that's only the thoughts of someone who wants a successful national side.  Is that what the FA wants too?