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It is widely speculated that the number of foreign players in the Premiership - with particular focus on Arsenal - is harming the English game. However not only is this notion a myth but the debate and controversy caused by the issue has only aided in providing a feeble and pathetic English national team with some sort of excuse to their 43 years of mediocrity.

Just how are Arsenal affecting the English game by fielding a side of foreigners? That is a question many critics fail to answer. It is widely ignored that Arsenal have produced as many top quality English players as any other current Premiership club, although these players may not push through to be Arsenal standard they have been developed, harnessed and handed to the Premiership for other clubs to have. Players like David Bentley failed to make the grade at Arsenal yet is now bordering on England selection having learnt his whole trade at Arsenal. A previous instance was Matthew Upson who within months of leaving Arsenal was called up to the England squad. Other names include Pennant and Sidwell who are both now plying their trade at other top English clubs. These players have come from what is the best youth set up in the country, they have had the opportunity to train under some of the worlds best coaches, learn the best style of football and if you read their passport it will say they are English.

To criticise Arsenal for a lack of English first teamers reaks of ignorance and bias, lets not forget Chelsea were the first English team to field an entirely foreign first 11. Irregardless of whether Arsenal currently have many English first teamers the fact remains that the Arsenal academy is still producing plenty of English talent for the English league and English national team to make the most of.
Facts also show that when Arsene Wenger decides a player is good enough for the Arsenal first team they go on to become internationals, this is no different with the English players who have played under Arsene in his eleven and a half years. The English players good enough to break into the Arsenal set up have gone on to become some of Englands most important players, Sol Campbell and Ashley Cole being the most famous. Both of whom have since left Arsenal and now seemingly struggling to make the international level, is this a coincidence?

If you look further into Arsene Wengers record you will also find English players he inhereted were turned into far superior players once under his guidance. In Arsene

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