Fabio Capello claims England have failed to challenge for major trophies because the players are exhausted.
The former England manager said the lack of a mid-season break in the Premier meant the English players were tired by comparison with their rivals in other leagues.
Asked why England had struggled to challenge for honours, Capello said: “Because they’re tired [going into tournaments].
"They're the least fresh of any of the competing national sides, because their league doesn't have a break.
Put fuel in
"It's like when you're driving a car: if you stop halfway to put fuel in then you'll definitely get where you want to go, but if you don't there's always the chance you'll be running on empty before you reach your goal.
“In my opinion the football played in the first half of the English season is much better than in the second half. And because of that, if you want to be a competitive team in the Premier League, you need a really big squad, which is a luxury you don’t get with the national team.”
Capello, now coach Russia, insisted his time with England had gone well.