Bayern Munich supremo Karl-Heinze Rummenigge insists England's failure to reach Euro2008 has nothing to do with the amount of foreign players in the Premiership.

"I am not convinced that the reason the English are not here is because of any lack of individual quality among the players," said Rummenigge. "Look at players like Rooney, Gerrard, Lampard and Terry. All of them are fantastic, even world class. The fact England are not here has nothing to do with the players.

"I'd rather not say more but it goes much deeper than that."

Rummenigge turned on its head the suggestion that imposing quotas would help the development of homegrown players.

"Don't forget how important it is in countries like Croatia and the Czech Republic that their players are abroad in leagues in England, Spain, Italy and Germany," he said. "And don't forget, too, the African players. Fantastic players like Didier Drogba have helped their countries grow - thanks to the fact that they play in the top European leagues. And what would South American clubs do without the (transfer) money from Europe? I doubt they could survive."