I had a beer with a mate last night, we spoke about something similar and he recalled an experience that I think offers a clear view of certainly a 'difference' between us and the Germans when it comes to young footballers and their identification.
My mate who has been a professional footballer visited and area of Germany where he had lived and played professionally and whilst there met up with some ex playing colleagues, just old mates really.
It transpired that the two out of the group were still involved with Bundesliga clubs, one coaching and the other scouting, my mate although not an agent is always keen to watch developing footballers and although he doesnt very often he can lend some weight to an introduction of a young player to the relevant department at clubs should he think a young player might deserve being looked at etc. etc.
He had what he thought was a perfect young available English player that would be brilliant for German football and these two were in pole position to facilitate a likely trial, however a few days later and after speaking to the 'Heads of Player Recruitment' at their respective clubs etc. the word came back that thanks but no thanks, not even a trial.
The reason cited by both clubs were that they have at 'Youth' and Young Professional' level a policy that must encourage young German players ahead of any other players.
Its quite an insight to their aims and aspirations and if we accept that this attitude is being replicated throughout German football then you have 100's of young talented footballers taken preference over anyone else, simple but quite brilliant.
Take a minute to think what perhaps Brighton and Hove Albion head of young player might do with a similar approach and there for me you have your answer why England is failing to develop and offer opportunity to young English talent and Germany are succeeding.
