Brendon Batson calls for investment in English players
Wednesday 12 August 2015 20:14, UK
Brendon Batson believes clubs in England need to invest more money in young English players to help increase the number of homegrown footballers playing at the top level.
Batson's comments come following the opening weekend of the new Premier League season, during which only 88 out of the 220 players who started in the 10 fixtures were English.
The FA consultant feels investment in young English players could help improve the standard of the national team.
"I think we've got to see more of willingness from our clubs to invest more in young English players," Batson told Sky Sports News HQ.
"The game at the top ends reflects the status of our league and I think a successful national team reflects on our league."
The former Arsenal, Cambridge United and West Brom player also believes managers need to be bolder with English players and insists that when given the chance, young footballers can flourish.
Batson said: "There is talk around increasing the number of home grown players in squads. I think there is a huge hurdle to overcome with the new legislation with free movement.
"If you look back to Alex Ferguson many years ago with that golden squad where Nicky Butt, the Neville brothers and David Beckham came through, if you give young players a chance they can sometimes surprise you.
"I think managers have got to be bolder, particularly with English players."
