It’s time the England youth teams started taking the best available players to tournaments.

As an England fan we all want to see our best players going to the U21 tournaments and having a chance at winning some silverware that could turn our players into those with a winning mentality. 

Raheem Sterling, Jack Wilshere, Luke Shaw and Ross Barkley were all eligible to play at the current European Championships, and though as England fans we can arguably understand why Sterling and Wilshere didn’t go as they’re regulars in the senior team, but success as a youngster can build for a bright future for our stars.

Ross Barkley and Luke Shaw had difficult seasons last seasons; neither player developed as hoped, both had injury hit seasons, and there are still players ahead of them in the national team. Going to the European Championships would have been hugely beneficial to the players, the U21 team and the senior team ahead of the senior 2016 European Championships in France next year.

Having more players in the senior squad with tournament experience can only be a good thing. England have looked distinctly average in the tournament so far; Shaw and Barkley would have added much needed quality to the team. Harry Kane has struggled to date largely due to a lack of service, this could have been different with Barkley playing behind him. Shaw also offers a very good attacking threat down the left side.

Teams like Germany and Spain always take the best players available, and England should start doing the same. Taking the best players would greatly enhance the chances of winning trophies. Success breads success; if the youth teams can start winning tournaments this can help the senior team have success in the future.