Ryan Mason says his and Harry Kane’s international breakthroughs are shining examples of what can happen if young English players are given a chance at club level.
Kane scored just 79 seconds into his England debut when coming off the bench for the Euro 2016 qualifier against Lithuania at Wembley.
It was his first appearance for the senior team, having previously turned out for the Under-17s, Under-19s, Under-20s and Under-21s.
Mason, another player to have come through the international youth set-up, is also making the most of his first-team opportunities.
Ryan Mason celebrates with his Spurs team-mates after Andros Townsend scored in Italy
He made his debut against Italy in Turin, and insists the talent pool is already in place. It just needs a chance.
"You look at the Germans and the Spanish, they are not better than us technically," said Mason.
"It is just they get given the opportunity younger in their league, so then they get the opportunity to come and play in the Premier League.
"It is important to bring young players through if they are good enough.
"You see what England Under-21s are doing now, they are unbelievable.
“Hopefully that will continue and many more players will make the cut in the Premier League."
Harry Kane has been in scintillating form since being given his chance at Spurs
Mason spent time on loan Yeovil, Doncaster, Millwall, French side Lorient and Swindon, before he was finally handed his big break by Tottenham Hotspur boss Mauricio Pochettino.
The 23-year-old says he realises taking a chance on young talent is often easier said than done, but the rewards are there to reap for those that do.
"I understand there is a lot of pressure on managers to get instant results, but English players know the league, and for them to be given the opportunity and the time as well, there is plenty of talent out there,” he added.
"Maybe some English players don't get the time. They get a couple of opportunities and if they don't perform, then that is it.
"The next one comes in or they bring someone in from abroad.
"They tend to give them [overseas signings] a lot more time to settle in, but if English players can start coming through then it will benefit our national team."
Mason also took time to thank his manager for showing faith in his ability, and admits he had started to think about whether his chance would ever come at Spurs.
“I wouldn't change it because it has made me the sort of character and player I am”
Ryan Mason on waiting for his chance at Spurs
"He is honest and picks the team on how you are training, and if you are in the team and doing well then you are staying there, no matter what you have done in the past or who you are," he said of Pochettino, who took over at White Hart Lane in May 2014.
"It is brilliant for young players as he gives you that opportunity and he is not worried about putting you in.
"Hopefully many more managers in the Premier League can start doing that for the sake of English football.
"I would be lying if I said I didn't think there were times when it wouldn't happen here, but I always had the belief that I could sort of string a run of games together in the top flight.
"It took a lot longer than I would have wished for, but I wouldn't change it because it has made me the sort of character and player I am."
