Everton midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger says German football still envies the Premier League. Hitzlsperger - who spent 11 years as a Bayern Munich rookie before a professional career with the likes of Aston Villa and Stuttgart - reckons those tipping an English fall from grace are way off the mark.

The 31-year-old, who won 52 German caps, insisted: "The last time a German team won the Champions League was Bayern Munich in 2001 against Valencia.

"In that period more English teams have won it.

"We have young players who are great to watch, but we didn't win the last World Cup or the Euros.

"Chelsea won the Europa League last week and the Champions League last season, so it can't be that bad in England.

"The only problem is you spend a lot on foreigners rather than bringing young Englishmen through.

"That needs to change.

"There is a real fascination about Wembley and having two German clubs there because it hurt Bayern so much last year, losing at home to an English team. People talk about how good German football is, but every time I go back people say 'What's it like playing in the Premier League?' or 'I want to play there'.

"You have fans saying they want to come over in their winter break and see a game on Boxing Day. That's why we are so happy a German team will bring the trophy back with the towels they put down beforehand!"