Phil Neville feels it is now time for the next generation of English footballers to really step up and make a mark in the Premier League.

With Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and almost certainly Rio Ferdinand set to leave England's top flight this summer, former Manchester United and Everton star Neville has called on the younger brigade to fly the flag for their country.

"It is disappointing because I think the Premier League will be worse off without the likes of Gerrard, Lampard and Ferdinand," he told Sky Sports News HQ.

"There's probably only John Terry left now from that generation and he's had a fantastic year, you can see him going on for another couple of years.

"They've been great players for the Premier League but I thought when Bryan Robson retired from Man Utd the whole world would cave in but time moves on. It's the next generation that is coming through now, the Barkleys, the Stones, the Wilsheres.

"They've got to step up to the plate and they've got big shoes to fill but I think they are capable. There is a good young generation coming through and I think it's exciting."