The Independent’s Mark Ogden has reiterated the dearth in quality English talent in the Premier League by including just two England internationals in his Premier League All-Star XI.
Gareth Southgate began his time as interim England boss with four points from two games over the international break last week, but the on-going debate over young English talent getting opportunities in the Premier League goes on.
Considered the best league in the world by many, Ogden argues that ultimately the pool of English players continues to diminish each year and ultimately that will continue to have an adverse effect on the national team.
While the recent form of the Under-21s side might be a strong argument against that with a group of talented young players on show, the point he makes about the Italian, Spanish and French leagues providing an obvious spine of homegrown players in their respective All-Star teams is true.
In contrast, he has named just Danny Rose and John Stones in his Premier League All-Star XI, with Tottenham and Manchester City well represented in the team with four and five players respectively included.
Ogden does make a case for various other individuals and some may still take issue with a few of his selections, but ultimately his point about the lack of stand-out English talent is very true and although it’s nothing new, it should still very much be a concern for England moving forward.
Harry Kane would arguably make the cut if fit and firing, while the likes of Adam Lallana, Jordan Henderson and Theo Walcott could be seen as knocking on the door so far this year.
Marcus Rashford could be a possibility if he plays regularly, but it’s hard to place any of these individuals over the ones named below.
Ogden’s Premier League All-Star XI: Lloris; Bellerin, Stones, Alderweireld, Rose; Eriksen, Fernandinho, Silva, De Bruyne; Costa, Aguero.