Stoke City hero Mike Pejic is concerned over their swoop for Al Ahly winger Ramadam Sobhi.

Pejic wrote in The Sentinel: "I wish the young lad all the best, but I can't overlook the failings in our system which could cost us the next generation.

"The proof is there on a matchday when Mark Hughes can pick seven subs and we rarely, if ever, see any of the young 17, 18 or 19 year-old lads included.

"I'm sure Mark doesn't have anything against them personally, he just doesn't think they are ready.

"Obviously England's lamentable showing at Euro 2016 has left many an inquest being held into what the hell went wrong.

"The main theme appears to be the lack of character, sheer mental strength, among the players."