PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor is concerned that too many of the successful England U21 team will find their avenue to first-team action blocked on their return. "I would never want us to be complacent," he said.

"The Under-21 squad is good but so many are not first-team regulars. That is worrying.

"Given a chance, I know homegrown talent is good enough.

"But if you don't get regular slots, your career can only go backwards."

In the current economic climate, Taylor feels clubs would be better served by assessing options on the home front than looking abroad for a quick-fix.

"It is always easier to get instant, ready-made internationals and there are always no end of agents on the phone willing to get you them," he observed.

"But clubs are realising not everybody can print money in the way Real Madrid seem to be doing.

"Questions are starting to be asked about how you spend your money. It has happened in the banking world and, unless you can balance your books, it will be asked in the football world.

"One obvious alternative to spending money you don't have is looking to create your own talent. It seems a no-brainer to me."