ENGLAND LEAGUE Young stars in a league of their own

PREMIER LEAGUE officials are set to announce a revolutionary Under-21 competition starting next season.

Plans to scrap the traditional reserve format will be confirmed next week at a glitzy launch at the Emirates Stadium.
And the new tournament’s format will be similar to the Champions League to get the best youngsters playing against each other.
Fans will be given the chance to watch future stars just before they become first-team regulars.
But Roy Hodgson’s England should be the big winners from teams nurturing talent rather than sending youngsters on loan.
Three Lions managers have often complained about the lack of homegrown talent coming through the top-flight ranks.
A Premier League insider said: “The idea is for the players to keep playing competitively in a club environment.”
Some of England’s top young stars are missing out on regular football, with Josh McEachran, 19, only playing 10 times for Chelsea last season.
So far 24 teams from the top two divisions have signed up.