The great number nine decline - where have England's strikers gone?
Published: 11/13/2025

Former footballer and BBC pundit Chris Sutton argues that the decline of English strikers in the Premier League can be attributed to various factors, including a lack of consistent game time for English players compared to foreign counterparts. Sutton reminisces about the abundance of English strikers in the 1990s and how the influx of foreign talent has impacted opportunities for local players. He points out the shift in team formations and tactics as another factor affecting the prevalence of English strikers in the league.



