Guus Hiddink has blasted England as underachievers and claimed they have been "scared" at the last two World Cups.
The Russia manager, who nearly became England boss last summer before the job was given to Steve McClaren, will attempt to end England's Euro 2008 prospects next week.
The Dutchman told the Daily Mirror: "I have always been an admirer of the England team - but they have underachieved in the last two World Cups and were not the England I have come to expect.
"England's passion and desire, their willingness to attack, that's what's been missing in recent years.
"They have played with anxiety and looked scared to express themselves.
"That is not the England the world has always looked to for leadership in football."
However, Hiddink claims McClaren has changed his approach in the last few months and added: "They have shown more adventure in recent games but this is a very demanding group. It will go down to the last round.
"England are still a big obstacle and even though you will be without Wayne Rooney and David Beckham and a few other big names against us, I don't see that as necessarily being a big factor.
"When you have problems you find surprising solutions."
