The challenge facing England's youngsters
One of the major theories put forward by those trying to explain at a major championships is the lack of what the sport refers to as "access opportunities" for the country's best young players.
There is plenty of evidence to support such a view because it is clear the country is producing some good footballing talent. Inspired by Ipswich Town's teenage prodigy , this summer.
Last week, I visited Normandy to cover the build-up to the Under-19 Euros, where . If they beat the Netherlands in Bayeux on Wednesday, they will reach the semi-finals.
The problem, as ever, is what happens to these talented young players once they return to their clubs. Take striker , for example.
On Sunday, he scored twice in a 3-2 win against Austria in Flers but then discovered his club, West Ham, had signed two foreigners - . Nouble could have been forgiven for wondering where his first-team opportunities will come from in the Premier League this season.
I am Dan Roan, and I'm a Correspondent for ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Sports News. I've been fortunate enough to cover a wide range of sports stories around the world and am passionate about the news, business, politics and social impact of sport. You can follow and get in touch with me on .
