Jez,
Being English of Irish parents and having two elder children that are English & having two younger children basically French there is Defo a difference in English youth persona today.
Eldest son 25 spent 2years in Serbia living in Belgrade enduring Red Star Belgrade home games and boy do the Serbs have a different philosophy....... he's now living in Paris,watched PSG and disenchanted with plastic football fans and now gets the 'Red Star' thing which he fully understands as he's got the 'Leeds thing' in his blood.
Younger son 12 plays once a week for our French town junior club & attends community training with Tours with lots of local kids.
Totally different concept of training to that of England in that education comes first at French clubs and in general most European clubs.
For him it's fun,no pressure from club or parents,no contracts till 16 just school first the club states.Other sports he plays do the same.
From my experience earning a living in Europe whatever wage earned it is a better balanced life than in the UK - so maybe the 'hunger thing' is a point - as I could'nt define what being English is anymore if my kids asked me.My eldest son bemoaned lack of opportunity so maybe that ultimately could be the answer,so give youth a chance BUT look after them as Leeds appear to be doing by bringing 'em through carefully this season.
ALAW
MOT