Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp says "too many games" have a negative affect on both England's chances at Euro 2016 and English clubs in the Champions League.
While moset top-flight divisions in Europe take a brief winter break, Klopp's side are preparing for two games in the next four days, and the German said working through the holidays is not a way to breed success.
"You have too many games, that's for sure," the German told the BBC. "You have no break, too many tournaments. I think everybody knows that's not the way.
"Everybody thinks [manager] Roy [Hodgson] should lead these boys to the title, they have really good players.
"But they've had no break for one year. All the other teams have. You can be [successful] but it's much harder."
English clubs are involved in two domestic cup competitions, which could add 12 games to the schedule for teams that reach both finals, and up to 16 with FA Cup replays.
At the other end of the spectrum, top Serie A clubs need only play four games to win the Coppa Italia, and Klopp said the difference is showing in European competition.
"There are reasons why the big English clubs in the last few years were not that successful," he said. "You have too many tournaments."