Arsenal ace Andrey Arshavin says the English press are threatening the nation's World Cup hopes. The Russia international believes the local media are "killing" England's chances with player revelation after player revelation.

Arshavin told The Times: "Of course, it's normal that people are interested, but in England you are killing the national team with the level of intrusion.

"You are doing this to the team [he stamps his foot on the floor]. Everyone wants England to become world champions, but you are destroying them at the same time.

"Give it a few more weeks and they will put a camera in a footballer's pants in order to get a story. I think you should leave your stars alone and give them the freedom to be human."