David Bentley believes that young players in England are "mentally polluted" and feels that has prevented the Three Lions from being successful at major tournaments.
The 29-year-old retired from the game in June, stating that he had fell out of love with football after 11 years as a professional.
Bentley is adamant that England's inability to produce quality is down to the controlling factors that stop players from being able to express themselves freely on and off the pitch.
He told the Daily Mail: "It's why England fail. That's why we'll never produce players. It's about the mindset of the English game. You look at Ross Barkley or Raheem Sterling; do you think Neymar or James Rodriguez are much better? Are they genetically built better? Or is it just in their mind?
"When Neymar or Rodriguez go out on the field they're relaxed. They love to play, with their heart. Young English players are mentally polluted so they can't express themselves.
"England will always struggle at major tournaments until somebody comes in to change the whole system. I played at every England youth level going and it was exactly the same."
Bentley played seven times for England.
Simon Sinclair
