Matt Le Tissier believes the talent pool of English players is decreasing because clubs are turning to foreign imports too early.

The Saints legend was speaking after England’s recent draws against Republic of Ireland and Brazil, as well as the under-21 side’s 1-0 loss to Italy.

Le Tissier has warned that the number of players from abroad being brought in, even at academy level, could have a negative impact on the national team.

“The chickens are coming home to roost,” he said. “Our academies are filling up with kids from abroad who will probably come back to bite us one day by knocking England out of the World Cup, first teams are full of top players from the continent on big money, and more Premier League clubs than ever are under foreign ownership.

“None of those people are going to stick up for the interests of our national team - because England isn’t their problem.”

Le Tissier added: “I feel desperately sorry for Roy Hodgson, and for Pearce, because we are asking them to win the World Cup or European championships with an ever-decreasing pool of English talent to choose from.

“They don’t have the strength in depth they need to challenge for the biggest prizes, and it will reflect badly on them if it doesn’t happen.”