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LONDON, Nov 26 (Reuters) - Michael Owen has said that no Croatian players would be good enough to get into the English team despite twice defeating and eliminating his side from the European Championship qualifiers.
Owen's comments came in the wake of Croatia's 3-2 victory at Wembley on Wednesday and the teams being drawn together again in Sunday's qualifying draw for the 2010 World Cup.
"I don't think any of the Croatian team would get into our team," the Newcastle United striker, who missed the defeat due to a thigh injury, was quoted as telling the Sun newspaper on Monday.
"Doesn't that tell you it's not about ability or technique but in the mind. We have very demanding fans and a media who expect a great deal from the England team - and rightly so."
Croatia coach Slaven Bilic had reacted disbelievingly on Wednesday at media suggestions that none of his players would merit a place in the England team.
"I read in your papers that no Croatian would start in the England team - that's ridiculous, wake up," Bilic told a news conference after his team's victory at Wembley.
"We are simply a much better team."
