Former France captain Patrice Evra has criticised Ls Bleus players for failing to use Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema at the World Cup.

France coach Didier Deschamps released Benzema from his squad after the striker suffered a thigh injury in the final week before the World Cup kicked off. Benzema would return to training at Real in ten days' time, but wasn't recalled by Deschamps.

Evra said today: "I've been disappointed. From the outside, because I was not in the group and I could not know what happened, I have the impression that Karim disturbed a lot of people. You players, not to have him on the field. We go to war for a player. Medical report according to the doctor of the France team, three weeks.

"Let's talk about the Di Maria case, injured the whole World Cup, he plays in the final and he scores against us. It is the coach's responsibility. He has to make choices, we told Karim to do his business.

"But you players, I think Didier always puts the team before the players. Players, you are making the same mistake as the 98 world champions who thought that the France team belonged to them. The France team belongs to everyone. You want to decide who comes..."