The evergreen marksman's statements were released ahead of his country's crucial European qualifier against Montenegro.

"A winter break would not only help the England team but the Premier League as well," he said.

"Towards the end of the season the intensity in some of the games which is normally there is missing.

"It's a long season with the intensity that the games are played at. It is only fair on the players that there is a break.

"It's great, especially as a forward when the game is end to end and the game opens up. But it's only in England where you see that game that quick."