Steve Davis joins England youth development debate

Steve Davis says the influx of cheaper foreign imports explains why the England youngsters failed to progress through the group stages at the Under-21’s European Championships in Israel.

The Crewe Alexandra manager feels the only way the nation will be able to compete at tournaments is by giving young players a chance at first team level, on a more regular basis.

Stuart Pearce’s England Under-21 side were certainly hampered by injuries, withdraws and having to contend with eligible players such as Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and Danny Welbeck away with the senior side in Brazil.

Steve, who named a totally home-grown team on the final day of last season, told the club’s official web-site: “I think we are now beginning to see the damage done by years of importing cheaper foreign players into our leagues.

“We have had too many years of foreign players coming over here for a quick fix. They would come here to make a quick buck and then go somewhere else. This has been to the determinant of our own young players.

“I think we knew it would happen sooner rather than later because he pathways of our young players have been blocked for a while. We have been too lenient with the rules of foreign players coming into our game at all levels.

“I have my opinions on it and I think it is down to the lack of opportunities for young English players. We have taken young lads on loan and they can be 19, 20, 21, and playing for us is their first taste of competitive football.

“They can play for England through various age groups but then not play in the first-team for their clubs or years. The only way to stop the slide would be to stop buying too many foreign players and give our own a chance.

“It would take at least five years to see a difference.”