McFadden fires warning for England’s future

Sep 5 2007 by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post

James McFadden (158)

JAMES McFADDEN believes England’s national team is heading for trouble unless Premier League clubs start putting more faith in the country’s youngsters.

The Everton forward reckons the influx of foreigners into the Premier League could have an adverse effect on England’s international prospects.

While David Moyes has looked abroad for some of his summer signings, he has also snapped up promising English youngsters in Phil Jagielka and Leighton Baines.

The Everton manager acknowledges the value of buying British, having previously signed Joleon Lescott, Phil Neville and Andrew Johnson to add to a squad including homegrown talent such as Leon Osman, Tony Hibbert, James Vaughan and Victor Anichebe.

However, many Premier League rivals have concentrated on foreign leagues for new arrivals, often at the expense of bringing through fledgling English talent.

After a similar situation in Scotland, authorities north of the border have moved to ensure a stronger local presence in Scottish Premier League squads, and McFadden insists similar steps must be taken to encourage youngsters in England.

“If young players are just going to be put on the bench because of their age that’s not going to benefit them,” said the Everton man.

“But there are enough young players playing first team football in Scotland and that is what they don’t have in England.

“It doesn’t help with the amount of money being spent on players, and they tend to be foreign, being brought into England. It’s not going to help the structure in England but it is getting a lot better in Scotland.”

Meanwhile, Everton’s Carling Cup third round tie against Sheff-ield Wednesday will take place on Wednes-day, September 26 with a 7.45pm kick-off.

Everton have also confirmed the UEFA Cup first round tie against Metalist Kharkiv at Goodison on Thursday, September 20 will kick-off at 8pm. Details for the second leg in Ukraine a fortnight later have yet to be announced.