Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand believes that the coaching system in England needs to be overhauled if the Three Lions are to compete with the top teams in the world.
The 34-year-old feels that the structure of foreign systems allow players to learn the tactical side of the game at a young age, which benefits them later in their careers.
Ferdinand told The Sun: "If you look at the French, the Germans, the Dutch and the Spanish, their youngsters don't need to be told what to do tactically. They can fit in immediately because all their age groups play the same way.
"You could put a 15-year-old into their senior teams and, though he might not have the strength, he would know the system.
"The whole structure in England needs to change. If your coaching systems aren't right, how can you prosper?"
Ferdinand retired from international football in May after winning 81 caps for England.
Written by
Simon Sinclair
Simon Sinclair
