by Z175 »
03 Jul 2012 17:24
I care in terms of the wider effect on the England team.
Agree with sentiments that the mostly British bunch makes no odds with me... Legs, Karacan, HRK, Church, Jobi would play for England if they could. I'd play for antigua if I could!
But I think its wrong that the UK's "globally-open" economy/immigration policy must stop some talented youngsters from making the grade.
Its fantastic at premierleague level, don't get me wrong. For £350 we can see some of the top stars in world football next season, who are being paid a ridulous amount. Season ticker holders are effectively chipping in twenty quid per game, when that would total only the indiviudal per game salary of 2 or 3 of the 22 players out there. So as with all migration, at the highest, top level, its an economic bargain for our country.
And for the British players who make it, Wilsheres, Ramseys, Oxlade-Chamberlains, Bales, they have proved themselves just by making it to the elite.
But go down to League 1 or 2 and to me its a different story. Each year 10s of kids are turfed out of clubs not making the grade, as its cheaper to invest in foreign imports than coaching. If the likes of Jorge Leitao etc or the foreigners currently at lower clubs were any good, then they wouldnt come to League 1 or League 2. Theres Germans, Argentinians you name it at that level, but how many English kids are training at a similar level in those countries?
To some extent the recession and football debt problems have lessened the issue, the heyday 5 years ago of foreigners galore has retrenched to only a couple per club. But I think England are suffering its effects - where Germany have an unlimited supply of Benders to back up their team, and even Boenisches who resort to other sides , Englands squad was down to Jordan Henderson. Rooney, Wilshere and Ashley cole may be as good as anyone, but they are pressurised to deliver yet guaranteed to make the team.
I can't help think we're in a unique situation in sport where 92 professional clubs can't guarantee a gravy train of capable pros.
Of course, when it comes to it, I doubt James Henry would be a premierleague footballer if we hadn't had the option of Kebe. But if you gave 100 Henrys the chance, probably a few would make it to the Henderson level. I don't think England's XI is harmed directly by foreigners, but we are picking from fewer than 50 decent players and that can't help.
