Gordon Taylor, the chief executive of the Professional Footballers Association, believes England’s international ambitions are being hampered by player burn-out and wants the sport’s authorities to step in to reduce the number of games.

Taylor is concerned about players at the top level suffering from fatigue as they struggle to cope with the demands of an increasingly hectic playing schedule.

“If that was a racehorse you would say that was too much and have the RSPCA onto you,” Taylor said.

“It is a good life and nobody’s denying that, but we do have a duty to look after our sporting heroes. The biggest problem is probably with the elite, who need the most looking after.”

Taylor went on to cite the number of England players to be hit by persistent injuries this season as proof that their bodies are giving way under the demands.

“Think of the number of international players who have had foot injuries, such as Emile Heskey, Wayne Rooney and David Beckham, or of John Terry playing with broken bones and having cortisone injections,” he added.

“It’s up to the authorities and administrators to make it as safe as they can. Some players can clock up 50, 60 games a season and it’s obviously going to take a toll.

“What’s disappointed me for a long time is that while our club football is ruling the roost, international football is taking a backward step.

“At the moment, we’re turning up on crutches for major football tournaments.”

Phil Neville, the Everton and England player, has echoed those sentiments, predicting more players could retire from international duty before their 30th birthdays.

“It wouldn’t surprise me if you see other players going down that route. I’ve thought about it a number of times,” Neville said.

“The demands are such that something has got to give. You’re seeing top-class Premiership players retiring from international football when they’ve still got their best years ahead of them.

“And you ask yourself why. It’s because they’re playing Saturday-Wednesday-Saturday-Wednesday. Sometimes in life something’s got to give and for certain players it’s international football.”