AC Milan midfielder Clarence Seedorf has continued the history of discord in the Netherlands team ahead of major championships by saying he would refuse to play anywhere other than behind the front two at Euro 2004.

"I feel strongly and think that my qualities stand out well in that position," said Seedorf. "For me it is out of the question that I will start the tournament in another position.

"If (coach Dick) Advocaat decides different I will sit on the bench, it's that simple."

Advocaat has already said that Rafael van der Vaart is his first choice for the position and Seedorf has been criticised by local media for his outburst.

"Rafael has more scoring ability. I explained that to Seedorf but Clarence didn't agree. He disputes everything," said the Dutch coach.

But Advocaat played down the apparent disagreement.

"I consider it brave and professional that he told me he wanted only that position.

"The most important part was that he told me that he would play in every position I put him...otherwise I would have dismissed him from the squad."

Bickering, infighting and ego clashes have been endemic in the Dutch team in the build up to previous major tournaments.

In 1978 Johan Cruyff and Willem van Hanegem, now Advocaat's assistant, refused to play at the World Cup finals in Argentina, while in 1990 in Italy, the squad said they had no confidence in coach Thijs Libregts, who was sacked.

Just before the 1994 World Cup, Advocaat's first major tournament in charge, Ruud Gullit criticised the tactics, left the training camp and ended his international career while at Euro 96 in England, Edgar Davids criticised coach Guus Hiddink and was sent home.

The Netherlands play their opening Group D match against Germany on June 15, before meeting Czech Republic on June 19 then Latvia four days later.