Mancini praises English core

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini is pleased with the core of key English players he has at his disposal.

City had six players on international duty for the Three Lions against Switzerland on Wednesday, with Gareth Barry, James Milner, Adam Johnson, Joleon Lescott, Shaun Wright-Phillips and Joe Hart all playing a part.

The Eastlands outfit have recently been criticised for restricting the progress of home-grown stars with their lavish spending.

However, Mancini insists having a side with an English spine is vital and was delighted that so many of his players featured in midweek.

"I believe it is important that we have that because of the English mentality,"he said.

Core

"I want the core of the squad to be Englishmen, and we have signed English players despite what sometimes gets said.

"I want a core of English players in my squad because they all know about the Premier League.

"They know about the players we are facing every week. The English mentality is also very strong.

"It was very important for the club because it is the first time there have been six of our players (for England).

"It has happened in Italy before with Juventus players but I think it is unusual here in England."

Source