Fewer young players a concern for England, says Owen
Source: Agencies |
July 17, 2013, Wednesday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
ENGLAND'S lack of up-and-coming soccer players is a serious concern for the national team, former striker Michael Owen said, blaming changes in social behavior.
"Nobody comes home from school, knocks on 10 doors and asks if they fancy a kickabout. I used to run home from school to get my ball," Owen said at a training day in Wales for young players.
"If you look to where the best young players are coming from they tend to be from countries where football is seen as a way out, an escape.
"England are not in a great position although we still have some good players," Owen, who made his debut for Liverpool as a 17-year-old, was quoted as saying in yesterday's newspapers.
The 33-year-old former Liverpool, Real Madrid and Newcastle United striker, who retired at the end of last season after a spell with Stoke City, was speaking after the England Under-20 and Under-21 teams were eliminated in the group stages of both the European and World championships without winning a match.
"I would have thought we will qualify for the World Cup," he added. "If we don't get beaten in Ukraine we should be okay but nobody thinks we are going to win the World Cup.
"We will still produce players but whether we have the pool of players we need is debatable."
Last month, a survey by the International Center for Sports Studies showed five clubs - Manchester City, Chelsea, Stoke City, Swansea City and Wigan Athletic - fielded no English player under 21 years old last season.
"Nobody comes home from school, knocks on 10 doors and asks if they fancy a kickabout. I used to run home from school to get my ball," Owen said at a training day in Wales for young players.
"If you look to where the best young players are coming from they tend to be from countries where football is seen as a way out, an escape.
"England are not in a great position although we still have some good players," Owen, who made his debut for Liverpool as a 17-year-old, was quoted as saying in yesterday's newspapers.
The 33-year-old former Liverpool, Real Madrid and Newcastle United striker, who retired at the end of last season after a spell with Stoke City, was speaking after the England Under-20 and Under-21 teams were eliminated in the group stages of both the European and World championships without winning a match.
"I would have thought we will qualify for the World Cup," he added. "If we don't get beaten in Ukraine we should be okay but nobody thinks we are going to win the World Cup.
"We will still produce players but whether we have the pool of players we need is debatable."
Last month, a survey by the International Center for Sports Studies showed five clubs - Manchester City, Chelsea, Stoke City, Swansea City and Wigan Athletic - fielded no English player under 21 years old last season.
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