Part 11/13:
In England, the stakes are higher because dropping out of League 2 means relegation into the National League, which is semi-professional and often financially devastating. This relentless pressure fosters professionalism, marketability, and continuous investment at the lower levels of English football.
The Strength of the English Football Pyramid
The most overarching difference lies in the sheer strength and depth of the English football pyramid. Thanks to the enormous revenue generated by the Premier League—a product of worldwide broadcasting rights—funds cascade downward, bolstering clubs all the way to the fourth tier. This creates a cycle of increased investment, better facilities, higher-quality players, and ambitious clubs seeking to climb the ranks.