Arsenal and England winger Theo Walcott has encouraged young players not to feel afraid at gaining essential experience in the lower leagues.
Walcott believes that English youngsters must be prepared to face the drop from the Premier League to develop their game, and is confident that such a move will benefit the senior Three Lions side.
With the Football Association keen for clubs in the Premier League to nourish homegrown talent by increasing the quota rather than searching overseas for talent, there is a widespread concern that England is not producing the players that it should.
And Walcott has had his say on the problematic area, and insists that players in this country have to help themselves by seeking moves elsewhere, as he did in his early career.
He said: “Maybe some English players are not getting opportunities, but it is important to go out and get experience in the lower leagues,” as quoted by the Telegraph.
“I was doing that when I was younger. It has worked well for me now. It is important to play football. We all play in the best league and people want to play.”
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Walcott is currently on international duty with Roy Hodgson’s side, and featured in the 6-0 victory over San Marino, which confirmed their place at Euro 2016.
Having started on the bench for the clash, he could be set to start at Wembley Stadium against Switzerland on Tuesday night.