Graeme Le Saux believes England is no longer the ultimate for aspiring footballers.

Former Southampton and Chelsea defender Le Saux reckons young English stars no longer see playing for the Three Lions as important.

The Jersey-born star, 44, won 36 full caps after playing four times for the Under-21s.

He said: "I think it's important the young players start to respect these competitions.

"I think Stuart Pearce went to Israel without 17 players he would have picked.

"We need to address that. It's important that when a young player puts on an England shirt he realises its value and it is the pinnacle of their season.

"We have to put the pride back into the playing for England. I saw England as a step up. There needs to be more support for the national team."