Thomas Tuchel has his say on England problem that Gareth Southgate warned about

Thomas Tuchel has admitted England stars face a huge battle after Premier League figures hit an all-time low.

Incredibly, just 24.3 per cent of starters in the English top flight are eligible to play for England which is a deeply worrying trend for the national team. The percentage has been between 30 and 33 per cent in the past few years and was always raised by former boss Gareth Southgate as a major concern.

It has dropped to a record low this season with more foreign stars, big-name signings from overseas and fewer homegrown players graduating from academies into their first team. England have appointed their first German as manager and even Tuchel admits that, having led Chelsea to Champions League glory, he understands the issues at club level.

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Tuchel says it is a problem because the Premier League is so competitive while the likes of Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane, Fikayo Tomori and Ruben Loftus-Cheek all play abroad.

England boss Tuchel said: “I was not aware of the percentage that it had dropped but it is maybe a problem of the most competitive League. It is competition. It is high level sport.

“The players have to fight their way to compete in the League. Maybe don’t forget we have very influential players in foreign leagues with Jude [Bellingham], Harry [Kane], [Fikayo] Tomori and Ruben Loftus-Cheek.

“So we have players in France, also, who are very influential there. And yes, it is what it is. We have enough players to compete at a high level and they compete in the toughest League and they have to fight their way.

“It is not frustrating. Of course I would love to see more English players of course. The more the better. But I come from club football and I know that no-one is holding anyone back.

“If anyone deserves to play, they will play so they have to fight for their place and I think they will. Quality will always find a way.”

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