FA technical director Dan Ashworth is happy to learn major European clubs are eager to ferry away their best young players.

Ashworth, who travelled to Germany last week to check on Jadon Sancho, formerly of Manchester City, playing for Borussia Dortmund, says he has no problem if England players end up in La Liga or the Bundesliga.

He said, "What does give me great pleasure is when I read that Dortmund and the sporting directors of Monchengladbach and Barcelona are making comments that: 'We are targeting English talent.'

"That is the most important thing to me, that other countries are recognising we have young English talent. I have always believed that. I am sick to death of us playing second fiddle.

"There is some super work that goes on with the clubs and goes on with the coaches here and if they don't all get through and play in the Premier League, but end up playing in one of the top European leagues, great. No problem. It can be beneficial for young players to be exposed to a different culture, different language, different tactical approaches. The most important thing is for our young players to get meaningful game experience, to help them to become international footballers."