LONDON: England manager Thomas Tuchel has expressed concern over the sharp decline in the number of English players in the Premier League (EPL) this season.
Less than a quarter of the players in the starting eleven so far have qualified for the Three Lions squad – with just 23.2 per cent, the lowest figure ever recorded in the league’s history.
The percentage is much lower than during the Gareth Southgate era, which at that time recorded between 30 and 33 percent, although it is considered low compared to the previous decade.
“I just found out about that statistic,” said Tuchel.
“Of course I would like to see more English players in action.
“The more, the better, but I also understand the reality of club football, no one stops anyone. If they deserve to play, they will play. Quality will always shine through.”
Southgate has previously expressed concern several times about the dwindling number of local players and now the situation is seen to be getting worse.
Ahead of their World Cup qualifier against Latvia, Tuchel explained that England still have key players on international duty.
“Don’t forget we have Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane, Fikayo Tomori, and Ruben Loftus-Cheek outside the Premier League. Some of them are even performing brilliantly in France,” he said.
“We still have enough players to compete at the highest level.”
Despite his squad beating Wales 3-0, Tuchel continues to face selection questions after not recalling Bellingham, Phil Foden and Jack Grealish in this camp.
“I still believe the players in the previous camp deserve to be here. They proved their quality against Wales but the team’s door is always open to everyone.”
Southgate, who will step down after Euro 2024, has previously warned about the issue of a lack of homegrown players in England’s top flight.