Ryan Giggs: Former Manchester United winger criticises England’s ‘robots’ and ‘washbag culture’

The Welshman believes Gareth Southgate is right choice to succeed Roy Hodgson

Ryan Giggs is reported to be on the verge of leaving Manchester United (Getty)

Ryan Giggs has become the latest ex-player to weigh-in on the debate on England’s failings.

When asked his thoughts on the problem as a late addition to ITVs Euro 2016 punditry line-up, Giggs described players as “robots”, and lamented the “washbag” culture in the English game.

Referring to the riches now lavished on young players, and echoing similar comments from Jamie Carragher, Giggs said: 'It is that whole washbag culture. I didn't want to be famous, I wanted to be successful.

“Players now are rewarded before they even do anything - they have the nice cars, nice watches. They are robots, just robots. They're told what to do and there's no problem solving on the pitch.”

On the identity of England’s new manager, Giggs believes that the FA should persist with existing succession plans and recruit Gareth Southgate. The under-21 manager has however already ruled himself out of the running.

Giggs said: “In 2014 they (the FA) had a vision of appointing from within - they should stick with that,

“Bring someone in who can help Gareth Southgate over the next few years, someone who's had experience of tournament football and the Premier League.”

Giggs has spent the last three seasons as assistant manager at Manchester United, where a similar plan for him to one day succeed to the top job was thought to be in place. He is now almost certain to depart Old Trafford this summer, having been overlooked for the position in favour of Jose Mourinho.

In 2014 they (the FA) had a vision of appointing from within - they should stick with that,

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Giggs also said that young players need to start playing together more regularly at age-group level if England are to have any hope of improving.

“For a national team to be successful their best players have to play within their age group.

“There's a big question mark over that in England because the Premier League is so big.

“They have so much power. How can they release their best players for a summer youth tournament?

“But if the national team want to be successful, you have to do that.”