Former Portsmouth midfielder and Croatian legend Robert Prosinecki has slammed the quality of England's top players.

With the sides set to meet again in qualification for the 2010 World Cup Prosinecki, who is one of Croatia coach Slaven Bilic's advisors, has hit back at comments made by Newcastle striker Michael Owen that none of the Croatian team could make the Three Lions' first XI.

"I've read Michael Owen's words and that's only proof of the English arrogance after we scored five goals in two matches against them, and let them watch the Euro 2008 only in a local pub," Prosinecki told Croatian daily Jutarnji List.

"I am sure that Eduardo Da Silva and Mladen Petric are better forwards than Michael Owen. Knowing Fabio Capello, I believe he would rather choose one of these players over Michael Owen, if he could.

"English players that could in theory earn a spot in the Croatian team? It would be Rio Ferdinand and John Terry.

"However, they would maybe start the match on the bench as substitutes," concluded Prosinecki.