For years and years England's inferior passing, touch and skill has been exposed on the international stage, not just by the world's strongest teams, but also by some of the supposed minnows.

Anyone would think this nation is incapable of producing men with flair, men like Cristiano Ronaldo and Ronaldinho who can breeze past defenders, men who can spot passes which seem impossible and men able to score breath-taking goals.

Looking back in time, though, this doesn't ring true. The truth is England managers have been scared of 'flair' players, the most recent of which being former Southampton attacker Matthew Le Tisser, who celebrates his 40th birthday today. Whether it was because of their often erratic personalities or the inability of the coaches to fit them into a rigid system, only two of the following 10 players reached double figures in caps.

If managers believe they can ignore such talent and still prevail, it's hard to come to any other conclusion than England's lack of trophies and plummetting world rating is entirely deserved.

After reading our list, maybe you would like to suggest your own sorely under-used stars. Or perhaps you have a reason for why such men fail to gain a regular spot. Click here to post your views.

By Chris Dempster