Hargreaves to profit after Butt injury

Injury concern: Nicky Butt

England have suffered another injury blow ahead of the crucial clash against Switzerland after Nicky Butt was ruled out.

Butt injured a knee in training yesterday and has undergone a scan to assess the damage.

It is thought the problem might be so serious that he is ruled out of the tournament completely.

The news completes a difficult 48 hours for Sven-Goran Eriksson since the defeat against France.

He now faces something of a midfield injury crisis as it was revealed yesterday that Paul Scholes is also a serious doubt for the Swiss match with a twisted ankle.

The injuries mean Owen Hargreaves looks likely to be given the opportunity for which he has been waiting patiently.

The Canadian-born Hargreaves is favourite to come in on the problem left side of midfield and he has a double incentive to try and impress.

The 23-year-old, who qualifies through his English father, is desperate to recapture his England place after an injury, sustained 17 minutes into the match against Argentina, forced him out of the World Cup two years ago.

His other aim is to impress prospective English buyers, particularly in London, where his Canadian girlfriend favours a move.

Hargreaves has two years yet to run on his contract with Bayern Munich but admitted today: "I want to play in England and, yes, my girlfriend favours London.

"For me, though, it has to be the right football decision. I am used to being at a club which has had success at the highest level and I won't move unless it is to somewhere where I believe I can win more trophies.

"Something could happen in the summer but, if not, I will stay where I am."

Arsenal have been linked with Hargreaves and he has also spoken about Liverpool in the past.

In the meantime, however, Hargreaves will be concentrating on his England future, if and when he is called up by Eriksson.

"We have a very talented midfield," he said. "I just have to bide my time and wait for a spot when one becomes available.

"History suggests it won't be the same team which plays in all three group games, so everyone needs to be ready and prepared."

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