Share

Torres: English need to move

accreditation
Fernanando Torres (Suplied)
Fernanando Torres (Suplied)

Cape Town - Fernando Torres believes England will not become a footballing super power until their players start plying their trade abroad.

The Three Lions travel to Brazil for the World Cup with all 23 members playing for clubs inside the United Kingdom, a home-based figure that is not matched by any of the 31 other teams.

And Torres believes that fact has seen the English fall off the pace in world football.

"If it took a long time to export players, it was because we were scared. Scared of the unknown," said the former Athletico Madrid striker.

"The same thing is happening to the English today. They are incapable of leaving the Premier League. But the day when it is the English who go abroad, a lot will follow.

"This could be for the best for the England team. I know what I am talking about."

Torres, who's position in the Spanish squad has come under scrutiny after Alvaro Negredo has been left out of the final 23-man squad. Torres has made 41 appearances for Chelsea this season with 11 goals while his fellow countryman won the Barclays Premier League and the League One Cup following an impressive first season at Manchester City scoring 23 goals in 29 appearances.

Torres adds that Spain has only benefited from players leaving the familiar for abroad.

"When Xabi Alonso, Reina, Arbeloa and Fabregas left for England, we (Spain) became more competitive.

"The fact that the Spanish players toughen themselves up abroad has been very important."

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()