%202.png)
Sepp Blatter has claimed England will stay in the shadow of Europe’s elite until the influx of foreign players to the Barclays Premier League is brought under control.
While the FIFA president is impressed with how the Premier League has been marketed and sold around the world, he is adamant the national team will fail to develop if managers keep looking abroad for players. Blatter believes England are significantly in the shadow of Spain, Italy and Germany.
During a wide-ranging interview with Special Report on Sky Sports News, in which he tackled subjects including racism, future World Cups and the possibility of being succeeded by Michel Platini, Blatter said: ‘I don’t think the Premier League is too global (but) you have too many foreigners and not (enough) English players, so your national team is not yet at the level of these national teams.
Sepp Blatter (left) has backed investors to keep coming
‘If you look to Spain, Italy and Germany, you realise 80 per cent or even more of the players of the national team play in their own league.’
Blatter, who confirmed that goalline technology will be trialled during this summer’s Confederations Cup, called for clubs whose fans racially abuse players to be docked points.
‘A more radical solution would be deduction of points,’ said Blatter.
‘Deduction would have a better impact. To have a match played without spectators is a warning. You can never solve a problem by running away.’
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2262451/Sepp-Blatter-says-England-needs-foreign-stars-compete-international-stage.html#ixzz2I1yu72H0
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook
