INCE SLAMS `SERIE A FAILURE` BERGKAMP

The England international spent two seasons with Inter from 1995, arriving just after the Dutch striker left the club, and is more fondly remembered by the San Siro faithful than Bergkamp.

"I find it hard to accept that someone like Dennis Bergkamp feels he has the right to speak out against the standard of English players and our national team," Ince said.

"By doing that he's knocking the same English game which has given him a good living.

"He couldn't hack it in Italy with my old club Inter Milan so it sounds rich to hear him saying that the standard of English players in this country is not up to scratch."

The Middlesbrough midfielder also rounded on Gunners boss Arsene Wenger for preferring to import players rather than give young English players a chance at Highbury.

"I believe the England team has not been helped by the influx of foreign players and Wenger has been one of the biggest importers in recent years.

"Don't get me wrong, I think it is good that the game has a mix of nationalities. You learn from continental players and they have helped to bring a new professionalism to the Premier League.

"But there has to be a limit - no one wants to see good talented English players struggling to get a break in a side because there is a long line of highly-paid foreign stars in front of them.

"I only have to remember my early years at West Ham when I was desperate to learn and improve.

"If I was starting out today it might take me much longer to get a taste of first team football."