West Ham United youth guru Tony Carr has concerns over England's next generation of players.
For all his own success, Carr fears for England's future if the national production line of talent is not improved. <> He told the Telegraph: "Wayne Rooney learned his trade in the park, on the street and in the playground. That shows in his game because he has a rawness and edge to him that makes him the player he is. There are talented players around but the pool is smaller.
"We have gone backwards. If England are to stay as a top football nation, I'm concerned where the next generation are going to come from. The FA have to get players at six and help them develop so when they come into academies at under-9s they are better prepared.
"We pick up kids to sign for the academy at eight, nine and most of the problems are the motor skills, the movement. Some are stiff and sedentary. The African players coming into the game have the motor skills from playing on the streets in townships. The FA have to influence government to influence schools.
"Teachers are frightened to do anything adventurous in case a boy falls and breaks his arm and the parents sue the school. But we need more PE in schools, more jumping, twisting, climbing, so they will be better athletically.''