Solano - Don't blame imports

Nolberto Solano has told England's stars to start living up to the hype and stop using the Barclays Premier League's foreign legion as an excuse for their failure.

The 33-year-old is currently clubless ahead of his transfer to the Los Angeles Galaxy in March, but has been one of the most successful imports into the English game during 10 years with Newcastle, Aston Villa and West Ham.

"The England team is not suffering because of foreigners coming here," Solano told the Daily Mirror. "They have made the league stronger, more competitive and helped it be the best in the world."

He added: "It is not an excuse for England to say because these guys are playing and taking places up that we didn't qualify for Euro 2008.

"The attitude of English players has to be to fight harder, get better and be as strong as the best in Europe rather than moaning about it."

Solano believes the hype that immediately surrounds young English players who show a glimmer of talent is another hindrance, boosting their transfer fee and making managers look for cheaper alternatives overseas.

"Young English players have one good season and are raved about straight away," he added. "Immediately they are talked about as worth £20-30million and that is crazy.

"Those prices mean clubs look to cheaper players from abroad."