Keane lambasts England 'big-heads'

England's arrogant players should take the blame for their Euro 2008 elimination, according to Roy Keane.

Sunderland manager Keane believes the England squad has too players with over-inflated egos, who are more interested in their own reputations than working hard for the team. With a place at next year's European finals within reach, England blew their chance as they lost 3-2 against Croatia on Wednesday.

The defeat cost coach Steve McClaren his job, but former Manchester United midfielder Keane is adamant the team's stars have to take a large share of the criticism because they no longer play with any passion for their country.

"If you look at some of the England players and the England set-up, and to be from the outside looking in - just my opinion - there are too many egos in there, too many big heads," he said."If you get carried away with any little bit of success, then you're in trouble."

"I look at the England set-up and they don't look a happy bunch, and their body language sometimes isn't great. As good as they are players; good players don't make good teams."

Steve McClaren lost his job because he did not qualify, and that is fair enough. But the players have got to take responsibility for their own actions. "I don't think international football is that important to a lot of the players these days. Club football has taken over."