England have had a dream start to their World Cup qualifying campaign; seven wins from seven games tells the story of how good they’ve been. Their counterparts on Wednesday, Holland, have had a similar start and both look to be heading towards South Africa next year.

There is however, a distinct difference between the two countries – their domestic leagues. The Premiership, since its formation has enjoyed great success – the Eredivisie not so much, sparingly producing serious Champions League contenders, their last – PSV Eindhoven in 2005. With Dutch talents often gravitating towards Europe’s top leagues they are able to gain different and valuable experiences; educating them to play against different opposition.

Capello’s reign as England manager has allowed him to demonstrate his professionalism and tactical astuteness. Selecting a team from a strict pool of players, the transition wasn’t going to be easy from club to international management but he has managed to create a system that allows the players to express themselves whilst also being pragmatic and accommodating young players into the squad.

Capello looks the correct man to lead England to their first World Cup since 1966, but has he been at a disadvantage from the start?

Winning the World Cup requires more than a good team of players. It requires luck, individual talent and favourable conditions. Most of these factors are out the hands of the manager or even the players – but there is something that could have prepared England better? One thing missing from England’s relative successes of the 80′s is the distribution of English players in foreign leagues.

The Brazilian team almost play exclusively in Europe. With this they are able to mix their Samba skills with a European education to become complete footballers and on the international level it shows through their adoption of a faster, more physical game.

Spain benefited last year when they won the European Championships. Players such as the outstanding Torres and Fabregas both ply their trade in England and offer that something different.

Frank Lampard had more than an opportunity to move to Inter when Mourinho took the job last summer and there have been similar calls for Steven Gerrard to make the jump. Whereas both may have reasons to stay, it’s arguable that both players are good enough to play anywhere. The reluctance to test themselves is a shame, especially since they have both been playing in England for a decade.

Players such Chris Waddle and Gary Lineker are players who have benefited the national team from going abroad, with Gascoigne, Walker and Platt following them post Italia ’90.

The success of the Premiership therefore has become a dent against the national team. Whilst English clubs continue their assault on the Champions League, the Three Lions struggle to obtain a stranglehold on the international scene. No one can force the England players to move abroad but expanding their reach into Europe may be the final ingredient for a long awaited World Cup success.