Joey Barton slams 'elitist' England national team

Queens Park Rangers midfielder Joey Barton has hit out at the Football Association for restricting England internationals to Wembley Stadium.

The national side played their matches at a number of venues across England before the new Wembley was built, but Barton thinks that they have now become detached from the average fan.

"I mean, my massive issue with England, or Team England as it's now known, is it is now an elitist, southern-based team," he said on Absolute Radio.

"I think they should be touring, they should be, England should be a touring kind of thing, where Italy are the same way.

"I mean, they've become an elitist, southern-based club, and for me I think your average Englishman really doesn't care about England any more."

The 29-year-old's one appearance for England came against Spain at Old Trafford in 2001.