IPSWICH Town chairman David Sheepshanks, a member of the Football Association board, today said the root and branch investigation into English football is progressing well.

Elvin King

IPSWICH Town chairman David Sheepshanks, a member of the Football Association board, today said the root and branch investigation into English football is progressing well.

Former Conservative Party leader and Tottenham season ticket holder Iain Duncan Smith said in the House of Commons that the FA had failed to carry out their promise of a complete review of the game in this country after the failure to qualify for Euro 2008.

Sheepshanks, pictured, said: “Big changes have been made to the England set-up, and we are going forward on other issues.

“But you need more than a few weeks before you are judged.

“The aim is to train young footballers, giving them coaching that will take them to a higher level.

“It has been agreed that a national football centre will be set up, most probably at Burton.

“I am confident that the right progress is being made and I will know more later today at an FA board meeting.”

Duncan Smith, the MP for Chingford and Woodford Green, said: “The FA made this great promise about a root and branch review and what has happened - absolutely nothing.

“Where is the great debate?

“This is the time the FA should come into its own and find out why we are struggling at international level and why there is a dearth of English players in the Premier League.”