Former Manchester United defender Phil Neville has voiced fears that a generation of talented English footballers is vanishing into "a massive black hole" because of a lack of opportunities.
Neville, one of United's famed "Class of '92" who came through the club's youth system to become first-team regulars during Sir Alex Ferguson's most successful period at Old Trafford, said he supported proposals by FA chairman Greg Dyke to increase English presence in Premier League squads.
In quotes reported by the BBC, he said: "Pumping millions into academies is superficial unless your manager buys into the vision of producing young players for your club.
"I only see a few clubs in the Premier League now who actually see the vision all the way through.
"I see plenty who have a vision until the age academy football finishes. Then there is a massive black hole young players drop into and just get lost."
He praised United, Southampton, Aston Villa and Everton for giving young, home-grown players the chance to shine.
And he said: "People ask if the class of '92 will ever be reproduced.
"I think it will if the rules change and we stop importing average players from abroad and start giving our players a chance."