Jose Luis Chilavert has criticised Paraguay's display against an England side he describes as the "worst in history".

The former Paraguay goalkeeper believes Anibal Ruiz's men should have salvaged at least a draw as England wilted in the Frankfurt heat on Saturday afternoon.

Carlos Gamarra's third-minute own goal, which came via a trademark David Beckham free-kick, was all that separated the two sides.

But Chilavert, who was renowned for his own scoring ability from set-pieces, insists Paraguay's players lacked the mental strength when it really mattered.

The 40-year-old said: "They lost against probably the worst English national team in their history.

"The Paraguayan players did not have enough attitude."

His assessment seems a little harsh. Although they got off to a woeful start, the South Americans were arguably the better side after the break.

Paraguay had a number of half chances to equalise, most notably through busy midfielder Carlos Paredes who shot over the bar after England goalkeeper Paul Robinson fumbled a cross.

Chilavert's outburst also extended to Gamarra and Roberto Acuna, players he described as "old men".

Paraguay's star man Roque Santa Cruz was another to come in for criticism. The Bayern Munich striker had battled a knee injury all week but was passed fit to play.

But his sub-standard display led Chilavert to question whether Ruiz had made the right decision.

"He (Santa Cruz) was not in good enough form to play. He never played strong," said Chilavert.

"We need a stronger footballing rhythm.

"We must put faith in the young players like Edgar Barreto, Dante Lopez or Julio Dos Santos, but they were not used by the coach (Anibal Ruiz)."

Chilavert also spoke his mind about manager Ruiz, claiming: "Ruiz does not know how to play with a winning team.

"He does not know anything about attack - he is always crestfallen and he carries a losing image."

Next up for Paraguay is a meeting with Sweden on Thursday, with a win crucial to their hopes of advancing to the knockout stages.