But Wilkinson believes the powerful influence of the Premier League coupled with infighting at the FA diluted his blueprint's effectiveness - and meant that England failed to make the most of the so-called "golden generation".

BBC: World Cup 2010: England talent worries me - Wilkinson

Spain, by comparison to Germany, has only a two-week winter break, as does Italy, while England sits at the opposite end of the spectrum: Between the Premier League and the FA Cup, the holiday season is extremely congested, making it a traditional make-or-break-point for many campaigns.

WSJ: The Secret of Germany's Success