Eriksson, who famously made full use of substitutes during international friendlies during his time as England manager, last week said he would prefer seven players on the bench instead of five.

And Benitez would like to see a similar system as used in Spain, where seven subs are allowed as long as two are under 20.

"I would back an idea to have seven substitutes on the bench. It is very clear and I have tried to explain this before," Benitez said.

"Clubs maybe worry about the cost in wages of having two more players on the bench, but the value comes in other ways.

"It is important to have some young players on the bench. If these sort of players can get some games, or short spells on the pitch when maybe things are going well, then they will gain experience quicker.

"That will give them more experience in the Premier League and then their value will increase quicker. For me it is very clear that it would benefit everyone to have 18 players in a squad.

"It would also allow you to have more senior players on the bench if you want. They are on big wages but not all of them can be involved.

"If they are on the bench you can use them. If they are not on the bench and sitting in the stands it becomes a problem because it is hard to keep everyone happy."

Blackburn manager Mark Hughes is also in favour of the change.

"I would like that. I think it gives you more scope," he said. "Sometimes you have guys on the bench who have come on and done well for you and had an impact.

"To tell them next week they're not involved because you have other concerns becomes a little bit difficult, so from a man-management point of view it would give more leeway."