Gary Lineker has urged more English players to ply their trade in foreign leagues to help boost the fortunes of the national team.

The ex-Tottenham Hotspur forward, who enjoyed a successful spell in Spain with Barcelona during an era that saw a number of Englishmen seek opportunities abroad, is worried that the once-healthy number of exports has dried up compared to years gone by.

Lineker told The Mirror: "In my day, far more players went abroad. The money was massively different and that was a big factor whereas nowadays you can earn as much here and don't need to move abroad.

"But I think it can help you tactically, help your football intelligence and improve you as a footballer. The problem is we're not producing enough.

"We need to get the conveyor belt going. It's all about the talent, the production line."

England endured their worst performance at a World Cup since 1958 as they exited this summer's tournament at the group stage.