Frank Lampard has voiced his doubts over the way young English players are brought through the ranks in English football.
The Chelsea legend, 36, believes that there is a "stagnant patch" between the ages of 16 and 21 where young English players with potential seem to disappear from the scene.
"I made my West Ham debut at 17 and was a regular a year later. If I was the same age now I wouldn't be anywhere near the Chelsea or Manchester City sides," he told The Sun. "Like the other kids I'd have had to go out on loan.
"Rio Ferdinand and I were fortunate we experienced it at a young age. But the kids these days get lost. There's a stagnant patch where we hear of these good players of 15 and 16 and wonder where they are at 21.
"Then there's the fact these young lads have to focus and keep their heads when they start to earn very good money. They have to realise they haven't made it just because everyone is talking about them at 18."
Lampard, currently on loan at Manchester City from New York City FC in the MLS, retired from international football this summer.
