While defending national boss Steve McClaren, Middlesbrough chairman Gibson said: “The Liverpools and the Arsenals, what do they contribute at national level?”
Benitez responded: “It is very easy to answer this; I just say Steven Gerrard, Jamie Carragher, Peter Crouch, and Jermaine Pennant. They were all in the England squad this week.
“We also have Scott Carson with the England Under-21s. We have more English players than many clubs, and we are working to develop English talent through our Academy and the reserves.
“We have many young English players we are trying to develop and hope that they come through.
“I am trying for a mix of good English and Spanish players, but everybody understands the English transfer market.
“We can be asked for £20million for young English players and you have to think about the economics of your club when it is possible to buy experienced internationals from abroad for £1million and £2million.
“As I said, we are working to bring English players through and I hope we can, but if you want to win things you have to try for the best if they are not available at the right price in England.”
