Manchester United legend Sir Bobby Charlton says England are on the brink of becoming a LAUGHING STOCK.

In his column for the Daily Mail, Charlton wrote: "England are on the brink of a World Cup failure which would make us a laughing stock in the eyes of the rest of the football world.

"We can still qualify by beating Slovenia on Wednesday and we have to be positive and say we are capable of getting it right in Port Elizabeth.

"But it will be as difficult a game as England have had so far. The United States and Algeria were happy with their draws against Fabio Capello's team because it enhanced their reputations.

"Slovenia have a much more important reason to perform well against England because a draw would put them in the last 16.

"In the final analysis, success or failure for England will be down to the players.

"They cannot shirk their responsibility and leave it all on the manager's shoulders."