Blackburn striker Roque Santa Cruz believes England's failings can be put down to the lack of a winter break in the Premier League.

Many pundits believe that the foreign legion in the Premier League is stopping home-grown talent coming through.

But Paraguay international Santa Cruz, who moved to Rovers from German giants Bayern Munich in the summer, believes the answer is much simpler. He told The People: "England's players are just so tired every time they go to a big tournament.

"They are expected to play a long season with no breaks and then still be on top form in June. That is impossible.

"Look at Germany. Over there you get maybe six or seven weeks when you do nothing - including a winter break - and so you feel fresh."