A list filled with misfortune and disappointment. Filled with tragedy, injury, lack of discipline, a handful of Manchester United greats and those world-class players surrounded by mediocrity when it comes to the international scene. As the World Cup roars into our living rooms in a couple of weeks from now, we take a little moment to remember those great players who have never had the opportunity of strutting their stuff in the greatest football competition in the planet.
5. Eric Cantona
Le King never quite managed to replicate his performances for Manchester United with the French National team. Cantona managed 20 goals in 45 caps for the French, but he lived up to his reputation as he fell out with his first French boss Henri Michel for making a derogatory remark. Cantona was handed an indefinite ban from the international scene in 1988, but returned three years later only for France to miss out once again in 1994 after losing their final qualifying match at home to Bulgaria when all they needed was a draw.
By the time the 1998 World Cup came around, Cantona had retired from the game – following another ban for an infamous karate kick on a supporter at Selhurst Park – and starred in the film Elizabeth alongside Cate Blanchett. Well, atleast Cantona is the only one here who could say he acted in movies! Well, atleast technically!