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AUSTRIA v ENGLAND - WILKINS: ENGLAND PLAYERS WORKSHY
Ray Wilkins believes a poor work ethic has left England's players technically inferior to their rivals.
Steve McClaren's men enter the decisive stage of qualification for Euro 2008 knowing their destiny is out of their hands, with all eyes trained on Russia's trip to Israel.
Wilkins, who won 84 caps during an international career spanning a decade, questions whether England have the technique to challenge in the latter stages of major competitions.
And the former Three Lions midfielder claims a lack of effort is responsible for the deficiency.
"Are we good enough? I'm not sure," said Wilkins.
"When we get to the big tournaments, we might get to the quarter-finals but we have not been able to take that next step.
"Instead, it's the same teams that get to the last four - Italy, Brazil, Argentina, Germany and France.
"I believe that other teams have better technique than England. It's all about putting the time in to sort out the shortcoming.
"Technique is something that can be improved with 10 minutes every day. If you have the desire to practice, then you can improve.
"No-one should ever be able to say another has better technique than us - if they do have better technique then it's because they're prepared to work harder than us.
"I have no idea why our players don't put the time in."
The lack of effort England's players have put into addressing their technical flaws may have irked Wilkins, but the former Chelsea admires their honesty.
"Steven Gerrard and Michael Owen have come out during the week and said we can't put all the blame on Steve McClaren," he said.
"They said: 'Let's look at the way the players have performed.' And they counted themselves in that.
"I found it refreshing that the players have said it's down to them, not the manager.
"When you're drawing with Macedonia, it's not great because you should win matches like that and win them comfortably."
By Bettingzone.co.uk
Used with permission.
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