Middlesbrough chairman Steve Gibson says the big Premiership clubs - and not manager Steve McClaren - are to blame for England's problems.
Steve McClaren needs to be judged at the end of his term not less than one year into it
Middlesbrough chairman Steve Gibson
Former Boro boss McClaren has come under increased pressure following Wednesday's 1-0 defeat by Spain.
"What chances are English footballers getting at major clubs? Steve can only work with the tools he's given."
"The Liverpools and the Arsenals - what are they contributing at national level?" said Gibson on BBC Five Live.
"There are many, many other reasons why the English football team isn't working. It hasn't worked successfully since 1966.
"What we're asking Steve to do is perform miracles. Anybody who thinks it is going to be turned around immediately is really fooling themselves.
"We've got to start looking at not just the head coach, but right through our structure."
Gibson, who gave McClaren his first managerial position, said it was ludicrous to suggest the former Manchester United coach should be sacked as England boss.
"I think Steve needs to be judged at the end of his term, not less than one year into it," he said.
"I don't see how things are going to be improved by saying Steve McClaren will be out of a job if we don't qualify for Euro 2008.
"Certainly his history at our football club is a very good one."
Middlesbrough have developed a reputation for bringing young English players from their academy into their first team.
And Gibson says they will continue to do so.
Massimo Maccarone is a fool
"We really believe in our academy and pulling young players through," said Gibson.
"I had a manager in Steve McClaren who believed in putting young English players through. I have another manager (Gareth Southgate) who also believes in giving young English players a chance.
"We need all of that looking into. Everybody involved in football has a responsibility to review it."
Gibson also had some harsh words for former Boro players Massimo Maccarone and Danny Mills, who last week criticised McClaren.
"Massimo's a fool," Gibson said. "He came to this football club with a tremendous opportunity, he wasted that opportunity. His comments afterwards were foolish.
"Danny Mills was given a tremendous opportunity by Steve McClaren and the greed - whether it was his or his agent's greed - were combined and that was the reason he didn't stay at this football club.
"I was part of the negotiations where his agent asked for an increase of beyond 25%. That's why Danny Mills didn't stay at this football club, no other reason."
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