Former Arsenal and FC Cologne striker Tony Woodcock says English clubs need to be careful not to lose their best young players to the Bundesliga.

Jadon Sancho is now starring at Borussia Dortmund after quitting Manchester City, while Rabbi Matondo has just signed for Schalke.

Woodcock told WAZ: "We have to be careful in the Premier League so we do not lose too many of our talents. Otherwise, they all play abroad. Also in the Bundesliga they sign many English talents. They see in England in the clubs no chance to breakthrough and develop. Nevertheless, they stayed on the island a few years ago.

"(This was) because they earn significantly more in the Premier League than in Germany. The talents must therefore forego money. This is not easy. But Jadon Sancho proves with BVB that this step can be worthwhile. Because he plays so strong that it will pay off financially.

"National coach Gareth Southgate would be happy to see more young players in England on the pitch. But that will not happen. We have many 18- to 20-year-olds who have a big contract with a top club, but are not used. A few years ago, they would have switched to a smaller club. But the small clubs can no longer pay these salaries."