Aston Villa midfielder James Milner can't believe the conspiracy claims coming from the Croatia FA over Tottenham midfielder Luka Modric's leg break.

The build-up to next Wednesday's World Cup qualifier at Wembley, when England know a victory will confirm their place at next summer's finals in South Africa, has been soured by accusations from Croatian FA president Vlatko Markovic.

In the wake of a broken leg suffered by Modric at White Hart Lane on Saturday, Markovic made the astonishing claim that Croatia's star midfielder had been deliberately injured by Birmingham City's Lee Bowyer.

"Obviously it is nonsense," said Milner.

"You don't look at who you are tackling or anything like that when you are on the field. You don't think 'oh it's him, I will go in hard'. You are just trying to win the ball.

"What has happened with Modric is unfortunate. He is a top player and Spurs will miss him massively.

"But you want to play in the best competitions in the world against the best players. It helps you if the best players aren't there but also you want to challenge them.

"That is what being a professional in any sport is all about."