Ex-Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Petit has criticised Chelsea's John
Terry and Ashley Cole for their lack of commitment to the national
team.
Former World Cup and European Championship winner Petit believes
England would have benefited from having their captain and first
choice left back in the 3-2 decider against Croatia.
Instead, international novices Joleon Lescott and Micah Richards
were forced to play in the defeat that ended The Three Lions' Euro
2008 qualifying hopes.
"It was very interesting last Saturday to see players like John
Terry - who is the leader of Chelsea and England - not a part of
the Wednesday game and he was playing on Saturday," said
Petit.
"It was very interesting to see also Ashley Cole playing against
Derby and he wasn't featuring last Wednesday as well.
"They were not in the national team and they were playing for their
clubs three days later."
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Premiership managers Sir Alex Ferguson and Steve Coppell, as well
as sports minister Gerry Sutcliffe, have proposed a potential quota
on foreign players in The Premier League this week.
However, former Barcelona midfielder Petit believes the national
side's problems lie a little closer to home.
"Before looking for excuses somewhere else, putting the trouble on
foreign players or managers, people have to be honest," said
Petit.
"That's what fans want to hear from players: 'We failed and we're
responsible for that'. We are not looking for excuses.
"I think people are thinking of themselves, not for football and
not for the fans."
