"Nonsense to blame Premier League for England's failures" - EPL chief Richard Scudamore

Richard Scudamore comes to Premier League’s defence

Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore has denied all claims citing Premier League as the reason for England’s poor performances in international tournaments saying: “That’s nonsense, absolute nonsense.”

Premier league has come under criticism for hindering the progress of young English footballers after England’s recent failures in Under-21 European Championship and Under-20 World Cup.

Ex-England boss Graham Taylor claimed the success of the Premier League has come at the “expense of English players”.

Former England captain Gary Lineker also criticized the Premier League for having a “disregard for the best interests” ofEngland football team.

In ex-England manager Glenn Hoddle’s opinion, there has to be a “focus on elite English footballers at very young ages”.

Meanwhile, outgoing Football Association chairman David Bernstein believes there is a “desperate need” to increase the number of English players in the Premier League.”

He added: “There were 210 players qualified to play for England, playing in the Premier League last year.

“And we ought to be able to find 11 to take the field to do well. Those players are playing week in, week out against the world’s best talent.

“Our responsibility is to make sure the youth development systems in this country are as good as they can be. That huge investment, £320m, in the elite performance plan is starting to see results.

“We’re starting to see more English-qualified people coming through the academies, we’re starting to see more take part in first teams.

“All we can do is be responsible for some of the input. Clearly, our responsibility ends once those players go off and are selected.”

Source: BBC