Former Aston Villa and West Ham United midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker has insisted that footballers no longer hold representing their country in the highest regard.
The club versus country debate was reignited yesterday afternoon when Rio Ferdinand decided to withdraw from the England squad in order to maintain his fitness for Manchester United.
Discussing the situation, Reo-Coker, who currently plays in the MLS with the Vancouver Whitecaps, admitted that the Champions League is now more appealing than international football.
"I don't think the pride of representing their country is there for a lot of players now," the 28-year-old told talkSPORT. "There's a lot more glitz and glam about playing in the Champions League as well as the matches between the top four or five Premier League clubs."
The midfielder went on to add his belief that where the England national team is concerned, only players from the Premier League's biggest clubs are selected, no matter what form they are in.
"For a lot of the players, [receiving an England call-up] depends on what club you play for," he said. "It's there for everyone to see. A lot of players from the bigger clubs make the England squad, regardless if they're playing week-in week-out or not.
"A lot of players are given the opportunity and for a lot of them it's not something you can say they've have had to work really hard for."
Reo-Coker has never made an appearance for England at senior level, despite the fact that he made 26 outings for the youth team.
Liam Apicella
