The FA has today responded to criticisms from the Conservative MP Iain Duncan Smith regarding youth development and the root-and-branch review of the England senior team set-up.

An FA spokesman said: "Brian Barwick met David Cameron last week. We have a very strong relationship with all political parties at the moment and it was a very encouraging meeting with Mr Cameron and they are very determined to become more closely involved in football, and none of these views were raised at the meeting.

"With regards to the root and branch review, yes we made it clear on the day Steve McClaren left his post that we would be having a root and branch review of the senior set-up and that is still ongoing.

"Several changes have already taken place with the arrival of a very high profile coach (Fabio Capello) and wider issues around the senior team itself.

"With regard to wider issues being debated all across football about development of players the number of overseas players and grass roots initiatives, as most people are aware we have gone through a long period of strategic review and will soon be in a position to launch our vision for the next five years which will address this issue. This will be launched by Brian Barwick and our new chairman Lord Triesman.

"To suggest that we spend £60million on grassroots football but do not know how much we spent on youth football is not true and despite members of The FA providing information to various people involved in the debate tomorrow including Iain Duncan Smith's researchers we were never asked that direct question.

"We welcome the comments in parliament of Conservative Sport Spokesperson Hugh Robertson who said that The FA had been unfairly criticised and cited many of the organisation's recent successes."