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."
