Steven Gerrard: Quotas would help England

Nov 14 2007

STEVEN Gerrard admits he fears for the long-term future of the England side unless more homegrown talent is allowed to develop and flourish in the Barclays Premier League.

The stand-in England captain is facing a massive week which could end in Steve McClaren’s side failing to qualify for the Euro 2008 finals in Austria and Switzerland.

But the Liverpool star is also concerned about the bigger picture given the dearth of English talent getting the chance to make an impact in the top flight due to the massive influx of foreign players.

Reading boss Steve Coppell has already backed the FIFA initiative investigating the possibility of introducing quotas of homegrown or foreign players.

Gerrard said: "I am sure the quotas idea won’t do any harm. I am sure it will help the national team if that is the case. We want as many homegrown players playing in that league as possible.

"As an England player, we want top players involved in the squad and I am sure the quotas will help.

"I think there is a risk of too many foreign players coming over which will affect our national team eventually - if it is not doing it now.

"I am all for getting good young English players through. It has happened to myself and all the other English players and it is important we keep producing.

"It is pointless having the best league in the world if our national team is going to suffer in the long run."

Gerrard added: "There is a concern that this talent will stop coming through if foreigners do take over our league. We are proud to say we have one of the best leagues in the world.

"The most important thing is we have one of the best national teams as well and that will only happen if we keep producing good young talent like we have done over the years.

"I am all for there being a rule change. Something has got to happen otherwise there will be more and more foreigners and they will take over."

Gerrard will put himself through the agony of watching the Israel-Russia game in Tel Aviv which could seal England’s fate if Guus Hiddink’s side collect all three points.

And he is optimistic that Israel can frustrate their opponents in the same way as they denied England during a goalless draw earlier in the qualification campaign.

He said: "I’ll watch the game. I’ll probably have no fingernails afterwards but I’ll certainly be watching it with my fingers crossed and hopefully Israel will get the result we want.

"Russia are in for a difficult game over here. We had a difficult experience in Tel Aviv. We came up against a very organised team who were difficult to break down.

"We are hoping they approach the game in a similar fashion against Russia. I wouldn’t say the odds were against. They are the home team, have a good record at home.

"I’ve been speaking to Yossi Benayoun a lot of late and he has been talking me through some of their tactics and how they will approach it and he seemed really positive - and I’m positive myself."

Gerrard accepts the atmosphere at Wembley may be hostile for England’s final qualifier next Wednesday if hopes of going through to the finals next summer have virtually disappeared.

He said: "If things don’t go our way with Saturday’s result, I am sure it will be a difficult atmosphere at Wembley but that is something we will have to deal with after Saturday.

"It is something that is out of control but it is pointless being worried about it and being concerned about it until it happens.

"We have to stay positive, try and get a good result against Austria and keep our fingers crossed Israel - or Macedonia against Croatia - do us a favour."