Jurgen Klopp: No Premier League break hurts England chances

The busy schedule of the Premier League hurts England's chances in major tournaments, says Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.

The German praised England's current team as "really talented", but said the lack of a winter break in the country would count against them at Euro 2016.

"You have too many games, that's for sure," Klopp told Football Focus. "You have no break, too many tournaments.

"I think everybody knows that's not the way [to be successful]."

The 48-year-old added: "Everybody thinks [manager] Roy [Hodgson] should lead these boys to the title, they have really good players.

"But they've had no break for one year. All the other teams have. You can be [successful] but it's much harder."

England have not reached the semi-finals at any of their past eight major tournaments, and were knocked out at the group stage of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

Klopp added that the fixture schedule in domestic football has also contributed to the recent struggles of English clubs in the Champions League, Europe's elite competition.

"There are reasons why the big English clubs in the last few years were not that successful," he said. "You have too many tournaments."

Klopp's Liverpool side face three matches in eight days over Christmas and New Year, starting against surprise Premier League leaders Leicester at Anfield on 26 December.

Mini pre-season for Sturridge

Daniel Sturridge has made just five league appearances for Liverpool this season

Klopp confirmed that Daniel Sturridge is currently doing "a little pre-season" as he works towards recovering from a hamstring injury.

The England striker is not expected to be fit until mid-January after straining his muscle against Newcastle on 6 December.

"He will do this for seven, eight, nine days and then we will see," said Klopp.

Watch the full interview on Football Focus, Boxing Day, 12:25 GMT on BBC One.