A FOOTBALL-LOVING MP has called on fellow fans to boycott top flight matches because there are too many foreign players.

David Amess, Tory MP for Southend West and a staunched West Ham fan, slammed the state of toptier players in the county during a Commons debate on football as the inquest into England’s dismal World Cup performance continues.

England crashed out at the group stage of this summer's World Cup in Brazil failing to beat the likes of Italy, Uruguay and Costa Rica.

His outcry came as Football Association chief Greg Dyke was hauled before MPs to discuss what is wrong with the English game.

Mr Amess said: “Nowadays the Premier League is an absolute disgrace.

Our footballers are paid far too much money and under perform.

“I’m advising everyone to boycott Premier League matches, not the other leagues, the rest of the football teams are fantastic.

“But we will never win the World Cup again if we continue to have all these overseas players.”

Premier League clubs have been spending millions on foreign players again this summer with Arsenal signing Chile's World Cup star Alexis Sanchez and Chelsea bringing in Spanish duo Cesc Fabregas and Diego Costa.

Rick Moran, of Argyle Road, Southend, used to chair the Essex West Ham Supporters Club, and said: “I agree with him in part, as I think we do have too many foreign players in the league.

“They should re-introduce a limit, but not as strict as before, and give younger players a chance in first teams.”

Blues fan Rob Craven, 31, of Manors Way, Prittlewell, said: “The Premier League is a huge brand worldwide, but I think there should be moves to encourage more English players to play in the Premier League.

“As the local MP, perhaps he could encourage football fans around here to come and watch the Blues.

“We have plenty of homegrown players in our firstteam squad.”

Mr Amess used the example of 1966 – where homegrown Hammers players scored in England’s 4-2 victory over West Germany.

However, England's record since then is poor, although they did reach the semi finals of theWorld Cup in 1990.

Mr Amess’ views are backed by former England and Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes who says the lack of English talent coming through is down to “average foreign players” being brought in.