LONDON - England has the wealthiest soccer league in the world, with business tycoons from the United States, Russia and Asia lining up to own the clubs.

So why can't England put 11 Englishmen on the field to succeed on the international level?

Perhaps the fact that foreigners outnumber English players 2-1 in Premier League starting lineups.

The laws of the expanding European Union are another factor. The EU sees soccer players as employees who have the right to travel freely from country to country without the need for contracts.

Some critics of the current team also believe there are too many inflated egos within the wealthy squad of players that prevent them from playing as a team.

But the biggest ego problem of all might be with English soccer itself. Many associated with the team -- players, coaches, officials, fans -- seem to assume the so-called founder of the modern game has some kind of right to win titles almost without kicking a ball.

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