[alex_front2]

Ok so for the next 2 or 3 years the Ballon D'or will probably be dominated by the Barcelona front line. And we know even the best goal keeper wont win. But why are England not producing players good enough to get onto the BD long list?

Don't get me wrong England have had BD winners such as Steve Mcmanaman, Michael Owen. Becks was once shortlisted iirc.

And there have been great English players over the years, Seaman as GK, pre 2010 Rooney, Gascoigne, Ashley Cole, Rio F, Matt Le Tisser (barely any England caps due to Gazza). But the greatest GB players have always been non English: Best, Law, Gigs, and now Ramsay and Bale.

Take Arsenals Jack Wilshere, would he get into Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid (let alone Real or Barcelona) or PSG sides. Well he's playing for our current best side.

I am not asking for a Scunthorpe born Messi, he and Ronaldo are one offs. But where are the English Neymars, Lewandowskis, Dani Alves, Mascherano etc. People will say well England coaching doesn't favour flair but even our defenders are second best. Only John Stones (and maybe Luke Shaw) are international quality.

We can't blame population size as we are same sized to France and Germany. China population is 7b, Uruguay with Suarez and Cavani have 3.5m