World Cup winner Frank Leboeuf has urged England's players to quit the Premiership - for the sake of the national team.

The French defender, who says he desperately wants to stay at Chelsea despite their moves for Aston Villa's Gareth Southgate, believes England will not progress as long as their players have the same domestic diet of football every week.

Leboeuf said: 'As Steve McManaman showed this season, the solution for good English players is to go abroad for a while, to get different experience. It is what makes France strong at the moment, Holland as well.

'Countries like Spain, Germany and England are struggling because most of their players stay in their own country. It is pretty obvious, I think. Zinedine Zidane became a better player going to Italy and it was same with me going to England. You get confidence when you go abroad and do well.

'If you are a very good player, you will find a good team who will afford you. McManaman went to Real Madrid and now earns a lot of money. Many teams would be willing to buy Englishmen because there are a lot of good players there.'

With the notable exception of Italy, Leboeuf's theory about exporting nations definitely holds water.

France, Holland and even Romania all have players enjoying life in Serie A, still the ultimate test for footballers, and the experience of playing in Italy or Spain does make a difference.

As for England, clearly Champions League matches every midweek, as well as playing alongside foreign imports, isn't enough.

Leboeuf added: 'I saw the England- Romania match. As Kevin Keegan said, they had problems passing the ball. They fought with their hearts but it was very difficult for them to find each other with the ball.

'Two years ago, they showed good spirit and good football - so they could be back in two years' time. You need more than heart but the main thing is to play with your heart and it doesn't need much for England to become a very good team.'