Patrick Vieira has claimed that young players in England lack the commitment of their counterparts on the continent.
The Manchester City football development executive said that youth players in Britain are all too willing to use injuries as an excuse to dodge international duty.
"In England, I really don't understand how come so many young players from the age of 16-21 pull out of the national team for injury," Reuters quotes the former Arsenal star as saying.
"I think it's maybe the lack of FA power, I would say. Maybe this is as well a lack of love for the national team," added Vieira, speaking at a function during the Leaders in Football conference at Stamford Bridge.
"When I grew up in France, I wanted to play for the French national team. That was my target, my dream and I don't feel like in England, the young players are dreaming of playing for the national team anymore."
However, the French World Cup winner went on to say that English youngsters play with more "heart" than footballers on the continent.
"The heart of the English player is double or triple that of the Spanish or French player. That is a good base to start with," he added.
Man City are in the process of building an academy to help produce more homegrown talent.
Mark Langshaw
