Butt states case for England role

Midfielder Nicky Butt has staked his claim to a starting place in England's Euro 2004 opener with France, saying his defensive qualities would be more useful than Frank Lampard's attacking skills.

Butt has seen limited action for Manchester United over the past season while Lampard has put on scintillating, goal-scoring displays for Chelsea, sparking a media debate over who should face the holders in Lisbon on June 13.

Captain David Beckham, Steven Gerrard and Butt's United team mate Paul Scholes look certain starters, while Butt's familiar role in the holding position of a midfield diamond is under threat.

Butt, however, believes there is a danger of England being overrun by a side featuring the likes of playmaker Zinedine Zidane, striker Thierry Henry and winger Robert Pires.

"It could be difficult against the French when there is so much attacking flair in their team. We might need someone more defensive on the pitch," said Butt, who helped England reach the 2002 World Cup quarter-finals.

"I've had a bit of a dodgy season, with not playing and stuff, and obviously the thing with Frank, who's had such a good season, (is that) people are pushing for him, which I can understand," he told reporters at an England training camp.

"Fortunately for me, Frank's biggest strength, and the same goes for Paul Scholes and Steven Gerrard, is going forward.

"I'm totally the opposite. I'm someone who sits and protects the back four...I'll be keeping my fingers crossed that I'm selected again," said Butt.

CRUCIAL DECISION

With England later facing Switzerland and Croatia, Butt sees manager Sven-Goran Eriksson making a decision with the opposition very much in mind.

"It all depends on the opponents you're against and the system you're playing," the 29-year-old said.

"It's hard for me to sit here and say I should or shouldn't play, because I can appreciate why people might not share that view, but I know my capabilities.

"It's just up to me to prove any doubters wrong."

Butt believes England have the players to stop France, who want to retain the trophy after dismally relinquishing the World Cup in Asia in 2002.

"They are a top team. Right the way through the set-up, you can name six world-class players straight away," he said.

"But, looking at our team, we have players who can break them down.

"Up front, with Michael's (Owen) pace and his finishing, and the three lads I've been talking about -- Becks, Gerrard and Scholesy.

"If Wayne (Rooney) plays, he's got that ability to turn and run at players. If we can get at their defence, we could do well."

Butt, who feels fit but lacking in match practice, is looking forward to this week's friendly tournament in Manchester, where England face Japan on Tuesday and Iceland on Saturday.

"(The matches) are very important for me. They are for the rest of the lads as well, but perhaps more so myself," he said.