However, one thing that is without doubt is the relative trickle of talent moving in the other direction.

Given the standing of the English game in world football, it is surprising that more English players haven't made the move to Spain, Italy, Germany or France - especially in these days of Bosman free transfers and a strong EU.

So, as England striker Michael Owen ponders whether his future is at Liverpool or perhaps Real Madrid, here are a few English players who have had various levels of success playing overseas.

King Kevin Keegan was at the height of his powers when he made the move to Hamburg in 1977. He played at the German club for three seasons, helping them to the championship and the European Cup final in 1980, where they were beaten by Brian Clough's Nottingham Forest.

Laurie Cunningham was described as the "best British players since George Best" by his manager Ron Atkinson when playing for West Brom, and in 1979 he moved to Real Madrid.

Unfortunately, his time at the Bernabau was punctuated by injury, tactical differences and a loss to Liverpool in the 1981 European Cup final, and he was never the same player when he left Spain four years later.

Gary Lineker had a happier time in Spain, signing for Terry Venables' Barcelona in 1986 after being crowned PFA Player Of The Year for his expoits with Everton.

In his first season at the Nou Camp he scored 21 times, including a hat-trick in a 3-2 victory over Real Madrid.

His second season was more troubling as he was employed in a deeper role, but the following year Johan Cruyff's managment brought his career to a peak.

Chris Waddle was one of the brightest players of his generation, and when he moved to Olympique Marseille in 1989 he was moving to a team packed with stars.

Still remembered fondly on the Cote d'Azur, he won three consecutive titles with the French club, but Marseille lost on penalties in the 1991 European Cup final after drawing 0-0 with Red Star Belgrade.

David Platt is best remembered in England for his fantastic finish against Belgium in the 1990 World Cup, but in Italy he is a cult hero among Sampdoria fans for helping the team win the 1994 Coppa Italia.

He started his Italian journey at Bari, then Juventus, but it was at Sampdoria that he really made his mark before returning to England and Arsenal in 1995.

Steve McManaman was one of the first players to benefit from the Bosman ruling when he left Liverpool for Real Madrid in 1999. In England he was known for his silky skills on the ball, but in Spain is was his hard-working attitude which stood out in a team full of world stars.

He won the European Cup twice with Madrid before returning to these shores with Manchester City in 2003.

England captain David Beckham moved to Real Madrid in 2003 from Manchester United, and the saga was shrouded in secrecy and controversy up until the last minute.

Beckham has settled well in Spain, playing particularly well in the first half of last season. But Madrid failed to win a trophy in his first season at the Bernabeu and off-the-field controversies didn't make life any easier for him.

Other Englishmen Abroad

Paul Gascoigne, who played at Lazio between 1992 and 1995
Former England captain Ray Wilkins, who played for AC Milan and Paris St Germain
Vinny Samways, who played in Spain between 1996 and 2003 at Las Palmas and Seville.
Striker Trevor Francis had spells with Sampdoria, Atalanta and Detroit Express.
Luther Blissett who had a brief spell at AC Milan.
England centre-back Des Walker joined Sampdoria, but just for one year.
Mark Hateley, who played in Italy and France with Milan and Monaco
Glenn Hoddle also at Monaco.
The 1996/97 season saw centre-back Chris Makin play for Marseille.
Wolves midfielder Paul Ince had a successful two years in Milan with Internazionale.
Les Ferdinand, who spet a season in Turkey with Besiktas
Owen Hargreaves, who currently plays in the German Bundesliga for Bayern Munich but has never played in England.
Gordon Cowans played for Bari for three seasons.
England left-back Tony Dorigo played for one season in Italy with Torino.
Stan Collymore played three games for Oviedo a few seasons ago.
Former Chelsea man Scott Minto played for Benfica for two seasons.